Research on the molecular targets that drugs act on. Covers new antibiotic mechanisms, drug discovery competitions, bile-acid pathways, and Alzheimer's targets.
Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered that targeting the TNFR1 receptor may be a more effective approach to treating inflammatory bowel disease. By selectively blocking TNFR1, they found significant benefits in mice with Crohn's-like ileitis, suggesting this approach could offer a new opportunity for healing.
The reNEW Center aims to harness therapeutic potential in stem cell medicine for incurable diseases, with a focus on translation and collaboration. Scientists will work together to develop new treatments and therapies.
Researchers used PET scans to quantify antibiotic levels in orthopaedic implants, discovering rifampin penetration is only about 14% as much as previously believed. A higher dose of rifampin achieved higher bacterial killing and fewer antibiotic-resistant strains, suggesting a shorter treatment regimen may be effective.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have discovered a new combination therapy that regresses tumor growth of triple negative breast cancer and prevents the cancer from spreading. The response rate using this therapy is about 50%, compared to 25-30% with older drugs, offering new hope for patients with hard-to-treat breast cancers.
Scientists have discovered a new potential treatment to reverse antibiotic resistance in bacteria causing sepsis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. The indole carboxylates class of enzyme blockers can stop MBL resistance enzymes from working, allowing antibiotics like carbapenems to effectively target bacteria.
Cancer cells secrete type III collagen to stay dormant, and when levels decrease, they wake up and create metastatic cancer. Researchers found that enriching the environment with collagen can force cells to remain in a dormant state and prevent tumor recurrence.
Researchers have mapped the atomic structure of amphotericin B, a powerful but toxic antifungal agent. The detailed structure reveals how the drug kills fungal cells by robbing them of sterol molecules, providing a roadmap for synthesizing less-toxic derivatives.
Researchers identified three prototypical RNA-expression states in pancreatic cancer cells and found that altering the tumor microenvironment can drive tumor cells to become more susceptible to certain drugs. This discovery opens up new possibilities for personalized medicine and targeting specific drug responses.
An experimental drug called NAP has been found effective in treating a broad spectrum of symptoms related to autism, intellectual disability, and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers discovered that NAP normalizes brain function in mice modeling ADNP syndrome, a rare disorder linked to these conditions.
The study, published in Nature Aging, found that sildenafil reduces the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease by 69% compared to non-users. Sildenafil also shows promise in treating the disease by increasing brain cell growth and decreasing hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins.
Jpx RNA regulates CTCF anchor site selection and formation of chromosome loops, determining gene expression. This discovery may lead to new treatments for diseases influenced by chromatin looping.
A research team developed an AI framework that analyzes protein interactions to predict effective and low-toxicity cancer drug combinations. The framework, GraphSynergy, outperforms conventional models in identifying synergistic combinations.
A new study has identified a promising drug candidate to minimize uncontrolled muscle movements associated with Parkinson’s disease. PD13R reduced dyskinesia by more than 85% in animal studies, also improving sleep quality compared to other treatments.
Researchers have discovered that certain molecules inhibiting thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) have a more specific effect than gold-based therapy auranofin. TRi-1 and TRi-2 compounds show promise as anticancer drugs, with higher specificity in their inhibition of TrxR.
A functional precision medicine study demonstrates that treatment selection based on results from drug sensitivity testing can be clinically useful in patients with aggressive hematological cancer. The approach combines deep molecular profiling with comprehensive drug sensitivity testing to advance the therapy decision-making system.
Researchers have used advanced microscopy to study the ultrastructure of huntingtin inclusions, revealing different mechanisms of aggregation that lead to distinct biochemical properties. The findings suggest targeting inclusion growth as a potential therapeutic strategy for slowing Huntington's disease progression.
Scientists discovered an important protective response in the heart that can prevent excessive scarring after a heart attack. The study found that this reactive response can limit cardiac fibrosis by preventing oxidant build-up in heart cells, potentially leading to new therapies to repair scarring damage.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have identified a new target for rapid antidepressant drugs using ketamine's role in synaptic effects. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for approximately half of patients whose current antidepressants are ineffective, significantly reducing the risk of suicide.
A study at Weill Cornell Medicine reveals how drugs can affect membrane-spanning proteins, causing unwanted side effects. The researchers found that membrane-associated drugs can interact with these proteins in multiple ways, leading to changes in membrane characteristics.
St. Jude researchers have identified a possible risk for late effects of treatment with the experimental cancer drug CX-5461, which targets topoisomerase II beta (TOP2β) instead of RNA polymerase 1. The study highlights the need for close monitoring of patients enrolled in ongoing clinical trials.
Researchers at West Virginia University have received FDA approval for a new drug to treat uveal melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer. The drug, MTI-201, targets specific biomarkers in diseased cells, allowing for more precise treatment with minimal damage to healthy cells.
A study at the University of São Paulo found that Torquetenovirus (TTV) titer is higher in people infected by SARS-CoV-2, suggesting it could be a biomarker for COVID-19 severity. TTV load correlates with disease progression and outcome, and its measurement may support diagnosis.
A team of experts from Tel Aviv University has identified 5 coronavirus proteins responsible for damaging blood vessels. The researchers hope that the identification will lead to the development of targeted drugs that reduce vascular damage in COVID-19 patients.
Researchers developed a new online portal, DINC-COVID, to speed up the identification of potential pandemic treatments. The platform incorporates models of three drug targets and uses ensemble docking to score ligands' success in binding.
A clinical trial of 465 patients found that administering heparin in therapeutic doses reduced mortality from COVID-19 by 78%, with benefits only observed when administered between seven and 14 days after symptom onset. The study suggests that timing is crucial for treatment efficacy.
Itepekimab, a novel monoclonal antibody, has been found to be safe and effective in treating moderate-to-severe asthma. In a phase 2 trial, it significantly improved lung function and reduced asthma control events compared to placebo.
Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have developed a computer-aided data tool that can predict novel sites of binding for potential drugs. The tool aims to improve treatment for a range of illnesses by increasing therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects.
Researchers developed a molecular agent that can target lung and other cancer cells for imaging and treatment, distinguishing between healthy and cancerous cells. The new approach uses a unique chemistry method to tune the reactivity of the molecule, avoiding off-target effects.
A new study identifies three functional subtypes of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in lung cancer, which correspond to patients' treatment responses. These subtypes have distinct biological functions and therapeutic implications, suggesting that CAFs could serve as a key to enhancing personalized treatment for lung cancer patients.
A recent Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study suggests that statin use is not beneficial for reducing COVID-19 mortality or severity. Instead, patients taking statins had an increased risk of developing a more severe form of the disease. The researchers found no significant impact on mortality rates.
A new AI tool pairs protein pathways with clinical side effects and patient comorbidities to suggest targeted Covid-19 treatments. The tool, MOATAI-VIR, predicts 24 out of 26 major clinical manifestations of Covid-19 and their underlying disease-protein-pathway relationships.
A new, bacteria-based system can detect cancer cells and release therapeutic drugs directly into them, leaving healthy cells intact. The technology has shown promising results in preclinical tests on mice, particularly for liver cancer.
Researchers discovered a mechanism that could prove useful in treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a common and hard-to-treat condition. The new approach reduces exposure to increased cardiac stiffness, which is associated with lower-filling pressures inside the heart chambers.
Researchers found that females rely more heavily on aldosterone to regulate blood pressure, whereas males primarily use angiotensin II. This discovery could lead to targeted treatments for female hypertensive patients, improving treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Researchers found that TAK1-inhibitors NG25 and 5Z-7 reduce the viability of multiple myeloma cell lines and primary cells, inducing apoptosis through various mechanisms. The combination of TAK1 inhibitors with DNA-damaging agents increases cytotoxicity in a synergistic or additive manner.
Researchers discovered that bumetanide, a 30-year-old diuretic, reverses signs of Alzheimer's disease in mice and human brain cells. The study also found that people over 65 who took bumetanide were less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discovered that RSV's NS1 protein alters immune gene expression to evade the immune response. The study provides crucial data for targeting NS1 in drug or vaccine development and may shed light on the link between RSV and asthma.
Researchers from The Stuber Lab discovered that certain neurons in the brain light up in obese mice, preventing signals that indicate satiety. The study found that these neurons communicate with regions involved in depression and motivation, suggesting a link between eating disorders and addiction.
A recent study suggests that targeting alpha-synuclein protein in Parkinson's disease may not be sufficient to cure most patients. Instead, resolving brain inflammation caused by dysfunctional interferon-beta receptor signaling may hold the key to developing more effective treatments.
Researchers have discovered a new drug target for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and other hematologic malignancies, which are sensitive to MEK inhibitors. The study found that mutations affecting RNA splicing alter cells to develop MDS and solid tumors, providing a potential new approach to treating this rare blood cancer.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that lactate can influence cells in the lung environment to support immune defenses against infection while limiting collateral damage. Lactate may hold therapeutic potential as a host-directed therapy for diseases like TB and COVID-19, which cause destruction of pulmonary tissue.
Dr. Gack's research focuses on identifying broad-spectrum antiviral drug targets and has implications for developing effective treatments against COVID-19 and other viral threats. The $5.6 million NIH grant will support her investigation into targeting human enzymes essential for virus replication.
Researchers found that a cancer chemotherapy drug can restore memory and cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting blood vessel growth. The study suggests repurposing approved anti-cancer drugs as treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, potentially shortening clinical development time.
Researchers have discovered toxic DNA buildup in the eyes of patients with geographic atrophy, a devastating form of age-related macular degeneration. Common HIV drugs or safer alternatives, such as Kamuvudines, may block inflammation and protect against retinal cell death, offering new hope for treatment.
Pediatric transplant recipients have a more robust immune response to COVID-19 vaccines, achieving higher antibody levels after two doses compared to adult counterparts. This study suggests that the standard two-dose regimen may be safe and effective in pediatric transplant recipients.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that opioids can control gut immune responses, reduce colonic inflammation, and even promote the growth of regulatory T cells. The findings suggest that KNT-127 could be a promising therapeutic option for inflammatory bowel disease.
Jochen Zimmer, a UVA professor, has been awarded $9 million by the HHMI to pursue his research on biopolymer transport across biological membranes. His work aims to develop new biomaterials for medicines, food, and energy, potentially combating diseases, hunger, and climate change.
A new study at Ohio State University's Comprehensive Cancer Center is using rapid autopsies to gather biological samples after death to better understand how cancer cells overcome different treatments. This approach has already led to novel findings about drug resistance mechanisms, including the recent approval of a targeted therapy f...
The study reveals vast differences in gene expression and cytokine response across different chemotherapy agents, shedding light on their mechanisms of efficacy and toxicity in colorectal cancer. The findings contribute to the understanding of molecular bases of response in CRC tumors exposed to these drugs.
New targeted therapies are being developed to target genetic alterations in cancer cells, such as the ARID1A mutation found in 10-50% of solid tumours. Early clinical trials suggest that these agents may be effective in treating multiple cancers, including breast, ovarian, and gastric cancer.
A new global study found that setting targets for treating diabetes patients with cholesterol or blood pressure medication can significantly improve cardiovascular outcomes. Achieving these targets could save up to 6% of healthy lifetime lost to diabetes over 10 years, mainly due to reduced cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers have developed an AI-powered platform that allows scientists to grow virtual tumors and optimize nanoparticle designs using artificial intelligence. The new EVONANO platform has the potential to improve targeted cancer treatments, enabling personalized therapies for individual patients.
Researchers find PADI4 and HIF-1 proteins work together to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tumors, allowing them to grow. The discovery provides new avenues for anti-cancer therapies targeting blood vessel development.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center presented new findings on novel therapeutic approaches, including cell therapy for solid tumors and antibody drug conjugates targeting TROP2. The therapies achieved partial responses in six patients, with an overall response rate of 35.3% and disease control rate of 70.6%.
Researchers at UC Berkeley found that tumors release chemicals compromising the blood-brain barrier, leading to inflammation and tissue wasting. Blocking these chemicals could extend life span and improve health for cancer patients, reducing the need for toxic drugs.
A Bristol-led research team has identified specific receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine that re-route information flowing through memory circuits in the hippocampus. The discovery holds promise for developing new, safer treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created a system that enables the production of 'good' bacteria capable of eliminating 'bad' bacteria. This breakthrough technology uses a toxin injection system to target specific types and amounts of toxins, offering an alternative to antibiotics.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have found the specific protein responsible for keeping cells attached to collagen, a key finding for cancer research. The discovery could lead to new directions for cancer treatment by targeting the protein tropomyosin, which is involved in forming the anchor's chain.
Researchers found that ribociclib achieved pharmacologically-relevant concentrations in tumor tissue, while everolimus showed minimal penetration. The combination is promising for brain cancer treatment and could lead to new therapeutic drug combinations.
A new analytics platform, RDCA-DAP, will be launched to accelerate rare disease treatment innovation by hosting and standardizing rare diseases data. The platform is expected to empower patients and families to drive innovation in the field.