Research on the molecular targets that drugs act on. Covers new antibiotic mechanisms, drug discovery competitions, bile-acid pathways, and Alzheimer's targets.
Researchers from the US and Japan have discovered the mechanism of GTP recognition by a tumor-promoting kinase, leading to the evolution of a GTP sensor kinase. This finding could lead to the development of a new cancer-treating drug that targets PI5P4Kβ using GTP instead of ATP.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have developed an AI tool that accurately predicts pancreatic cancer patients based on CT scan images. Lowering blood cholesterol has also been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer by enhancing immune cell action. Additionally, a new study found that an ultrasound probe plugged into a smartphone can b...
Researchers found that genetic mutations in the MAPK pathway, key to normal cell growth, can also make head and neck cancer vulnerable. Individualized genomic analysis can identify specific mutations and target drugs, offering a promising approach to precision medicine.
The University at Buffalo is developing new treatments for ovarian cancer by targeting the apelin receptor. Ovarian cancer cells rely on lipids for energy and survival, making this a promising therapeutic target.
Researchers have discovered that palmitoylation can occur at the plasma membrane, paving the way for innovative drug discovery strategies. A novel tool, SwissKASH, allows for dynamic observation of this process, enabling precise targeting of oncogenic proteins in cancer therapy.
Researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have identified 33 genes associated with Alzheimer's disease, doubling the known list. This discovery adds 42 new genetic variants to the existing gene list, shedding light on emerging pathways of Alzheimer's biology and potential treatment targets.
A phase two randomised placebo controlled trial showed giving patients nintedanib, as well as chemotherapy before surgery or radiotherapy, significantly increased overall survival rates at one, two and five years. Nintedanib blocks different proteins from sending signals to cancer cells to grow, causing the cancer cells to die.
A randomized clinical trial found that participants treated at non-stigmatizing 'accessible care' centers were nearly three times more likely to be cured of hepatitis C than those referred out to local clinicians. The study suggests that expanding and supporting accessible care models could help eliminate the disease.
Researchers at CU Cancer Center have developed a lead drug that inhibits the oncogene CHD1L, a chromatin remodeling enzyme that aids tumor progression and metastasis in many cancer types. The drug, called 6.11, has shown promising biological activity against CHD1L.
A recent study suggests that many older adults with rheumatoid arthritis are not prescribed disease-modifying medications, despite guidelines calling for early and aggressive treatment. Only 45% of patients over 65 were prescribed these medications, highlighting the need to improve prescribing practices among primary care physicians.
Recent studies published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis have found applications of nanotechnology in medicine, drug research, and environmental protection. Researchers developed nanodots made of carbon using natural polysaccharides from mushrooms to detect chromium, and created nanozymes that could be used to detect drug con...
Researchers have developed a method to chart the first-ever map of allosteric sites in two common human proteins, revealing they are abundant and identifiable. This could lead to safer, smarter, and more effective medicines by targeting these 'secret doors'.
A breakthrough discovery has identified a novel approach to tackle metabolic diseases by inhibiting a liver enzyme that regulates appetite and energy expenditure. The treatment, which stabilizes key proteins in the blood, resulted in significant weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in obese mice.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified two distinct subtypes of neutrophils, with one subtype being a drug target for treating inflammatory diseases. The discovery paves the way for more targeted therapies that address chronic inflammation without suppressing anti-infection functions.
Researchers have discovered 15 genomic loci that either accelerate or decelerate brain aging, offering potential new drug targets to combat Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative brain disorders. The study, led by USC researchers, found overlap with genes involved in depression, schizophrenia, and cognitive functioning.
Researchers discovered newborn neurons and immature astroglia in patients with epilepsy, which could lead to new anti-seizure medications. The study suggests that targeting immature astroglia may be an effective approach to controlling seizures without aggressive brain surgery.
A new clinical trial found that the drug mavacamten alleviates shortness of breath in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The treatment also improves symptoms and heart failure biomarkers.
Research identifies genetic variants associated with reduced grey matter volume in brain regions linked to schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. The study suggests a potential new target for treating severe mental illnesses by targeting the IL-6 gene.
A new study published in Drug and Alcohol Review found that binaural beats are being used as digital drugs by over 30,000 people worldwide, with users primarily seeking relaxation and mood change. The survey also revealed that binaural beat listeners are more likely to be younger and report recent use of prohibited drugs.
Researchers developed a method to identify aggressive early-stage lung cancers and target drugs to tumors likely to respond. They used genomics network models and identified signature genes associated with tumor invasiveness.
Researchers develop novel therapeutic approach for treating tuberculosis using phosphatase inhibitors, offering potential benefits for TB research and basic biology exploration. The discovery provides a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic-based treatments and has significant implications for combating antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers have identified two glucose transporters that disrupt the energy supply to invading worm cells and stop them in their tracks. By deactivating these genes, glucose and ATP levels dropped, and worm cells stalled their spread. This discovery could lead to new ways to cut off cancer cells' fuel lines and prevent metastasis.
Researchers have described a pioneering chemical technique that can degrade proteins implicated in cancer, potentially increasing the potency and selectivity of new and existing drugs. This technique, known as proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), targets specific structures within cancerous cells to reduce harmful side effects.
Researchers have developed a monoclonal antibody called PRN100, which showed safe and encouraging results in treating Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in six patients. While the findings are preliminary and require further studies, they offer new prospects for this rare and fatal disease.
Researchers developed a novel genetic barcode system to mark cancer cells with different gene modifications and image their characteristics. The Perturb-map platform identified specific genes controlling lung tumor growth, immune composition, and response to immunotherapy, offering new approaches for targeting anti-cancer drugs.
A new discovery could lead to modified thiazolidinediones with fewer side effects, benefiting more patients with diabetes. Activating only PPARγ2 eliminates the risk of weight gain while maintaining anti-diabetic effects.
Researchers have solved the full-length structure of a crucial signaling protein in cells, known as a Janus kinase. The breakthrough could lead to new and better drugs against certain cancers, allowing healthy versions of the proteins to keep performing their normal duties.
A UC Riverside-led team developed a theory and performed simulations to understand how viruses package their genetic material. The research reveals that capsid proteins are inclined to form shells around viral RNAs due to lower stress distribution, which can aid in designing nanocontainers for drug delivery.
The new laboratory will use microfluidics, AI, and machine learning to conduct thousands of parallel experiments on single-cell eukaryotic yeast and other microbes. This will simplify the study of biology and provide a pathbreaking 'robot scientist' for fundamental research.
Researchers have identified a crucial nuclear transport mechanism essential for organ growth and development, involving the protein YAP. The study shows that YAP interacts with importin-7 to control its nuclear entry, regulating cell and tissue growth, and potentially targeting diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer.
Researchers from CCDC, Exscientia, and Oxford University have developed an automated method for informing the design of compound selectivity across protein families. The 'Hotspot API' uses ensemble hotspot maps to quantify the propensity for compounds to exploit interactions in preferred binding sites.
A University of Cincinnati clinical trial showed promising results for patients with intermediate risk head and neck cancer when an immunotherapy drug, pembrolizumab, was added to standard treatment regimens. The study found improved one-year disease-free survival rates compared to historical controls.
The article suggests a potential treatment option for COVID-19 by targeting SARS-CoV-2's interaction with ACE2 receptors. Combining DPP4 inhibitors and spironolactone may mitigate COVID-19 complications and infections without adverse side effects.
Researchers at the University of Houston have identified a new biomarker, NPY1R, that predicts therapy outcome and has potential as a drug target in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The study found that NPY1R expression is associated with favorable outcomes in Luminal A subtype breast cancer, but declines in resistant cases.
Scientists have devised a method to pinpoint active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine formulations, revealing 4 analytes with significant anti-inflammatory activity. This breakthrough could improve quality control standards and lead to better herbal remedies.
Codiak BioSciences' exoASO-STAT6 demonstrates potent anti-tumor efficacy by reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages to an M1 phenotype, showing promise as a monotherapy candidate for hepatocellular carcinomas and other cancers. The company plans to initiate Phase 1 clinical trials in the first half of 2022.
Researchers discovered how a single mutation in an enzyme enables bacteria to evade antibiotics by using mirrored structures. This finding has implications for developing more resilient inhibitors and proactive drug designs.
Researchers at UC San Diego have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of fibroblasts, or fat cells, in controlling bacteria and developing acne. These findings could lead to more targeted treatment options for acne, which affects up to 50 million Americans each year.
A new protein group has been identified that functions as a switch to regulate biological activity, found in all domains of life and essential for cellular activities such as gene expression and metabolism. The discovery opens up new possibilities for the development of novel drugs targeting these switches.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified hundreds of new proteins associated with cystic fibrosis, including those that interact with the CFTR protein. These discoveries may shed light on why some patients respond better than others to current therapies.
Researchers adapted cancer models to predict effective drug combinations for treating Covid-19 at different stages of the disease. The study identified existing therapeutics that might be suitable for treating severe cases, and could help lower Covid-19 related deaths.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a new class of potential drug targets for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Oxidized proteins, such as Hsp90, can trigger cell death, and targeting these molecules may slow illness progression without side effects.
Scientists have identified connexin (Cx) 43 hemichannels on the surface of bone cells as a potential new target for medications to treat osteoporosis and other conditions that cause bone loss. The study, published in eLife, reveals how these channels play a crucial role in responding to mechanical stress and building stronger bones.
Researchers found that disulfiram protected rodents from immune-mediated lung injury in models of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection and TRALI, a rare lung failure syndrome. Disulfiram blocks NETs formation, which can cause lung damage and blood clots.
A new generation of cholesterol-lowering drugs is being developed to target the PCSK9 protein, which regulates LDL receptor degradation on cells. These therapies have shown promise in reducing LDL levels with fewer side effects than statins.
A recent study found an increase in intentional drug overdose deaths among young people aged 15-24, older adults aged 75-84, and non-Hispanic Black women. Despite a downward trend in overall deaths, these subgroups saw a rise in intentional overdose death rates, with women ages 45 to 64 having the highest rates.
Scientists have identified a key receptor in the digestive tract that triggers pain and inflammation in the colon. By blocking this receptor from entering cells, researchers found significant reduction in pain and inflammation. This discovery holds promise for treating inflammatory bowel disease.
A study led by Clemson University geneticist Allison Hickman has identified 11 high-priority genes associated with uterine cancer. These genes are potential targets for drug therapies, offering new hope for effective treatment options.
Researchers developed a new method to screen drugs for treating Alzheimer's disease, shedding light on why current treatments have been ineffective. The study identified new targets for drug development by analyzing disease mechanisms in human neurons.
A new study by WVU researcher William Walker found that the blood-brain barrier is dynamic and more receptive to chemotherapy at night. This could lead to better treatment outcomes for patients with brain metastasis.
Researchers have discovered that a bacteria-fighting mechanism in the immune system, NETs, can manipulate beneficial Th17 cells into harmful autoimmune responders. This finding opens doors to developing targeted therapies for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune conditions.
Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have created an antibody with an engineered peptide that effectively targets and attacks bone tumors in breast cancer. The study shows the therapeutic efficacy is best when a moderate amount of the drug compound is delivered, offering new hope for treating bone metastases.
Researchers discovered that the IL-6 family of proteins is required for maintaining and regenerating cartilage in joints and growth plates. The study found that blocking this gene could lead to severe cartilage and skeletal changes, particularly in females.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that macrophages in artery walls can sense octanal, leading to inflammation and atherosclerosis. By blocking this detection, they reversed disease progression. Further research is needed to explore the role of olfactory receptors in cardiovascular diseases.
A new study sheds light on the molecular interactions between remdesivir and various viruses, revealing why it works against SARS-CoV-2 but not others like influenza. The findings aim to develop broad-spectrum therapies for future pandemics.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a previously unknown protein called SCP4 that plays a crucial role in the survival of acute myeloid leukemia cells. The study found that SCP4 can pair with specific kinases to regulate cell activity, and targeting this pathway may lead to effective treatment options.
A study found that cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil increase the risk of overactive bladder in people with dementia. Galantamine and rivastigmine were not associated with this increased risk.
Researchers developed a new class of nanomaterials that capture chemotherapy drugs before they interact with healthy tissue, reducing off-target effects. The highly efficient approach captures DOX at a capacity more than 3,200% higher than other platforms.
Researchers have found that blocking mineralocorticoid receptors, a key factor in bone health, may help protect against bone loss and osteoporosis. This new target is thought to be more effective than previously believed logical targets, such as reducing glucocorticoid receptor activity.
A new study suggests that combining two drugs can reduce postoperative opioid use and side effects in adolescents with scoliosis. The combination of intrathecal morphine and oral gabapentin provides more effective pain control, resulting in fewer side effects and lower narcotic consumption.