Articles tagged with Drug Targets
A study has identified five genes associated with severe COVID-19, which could lead to the development of new treatments. The genes, IFNAR2, TYK2, OAS1, DPP9 and CCR2, are involved in antiviral immunity and lung inflammation processes.
Scientists create peptide-oligourea hybrids that mimic natural peptide structures, enhancing drug efficiency and stability. The hybrids exhibit high binding affinities and resist proteolytic degradation.
Researchers are using cutting-edge technology to analyze immune cell interactions in lupus patients, identifying potential targets for new therapies. The Lupus Mechanisms and Targets Award will support innovative studies aimed at improving diagnostics and treatments for the disease.
Researchers have identified a population of brain cells in the amygdala linked to physiological arousal responses, which can drive symptoms of anxiety disorders. These findings suggest that targeting these neurons may lead to new treatments for psychiatric illnesses.
A novel drug target has been identified for neonatal and infant heart failure, a condition with no specific treatment. The target stimulates cardiac contractility in newborns and infants with minimal side effects, offering new possibilities for pediatric heart failure treatment.
The December special issue of SLAS Discovery focuses on drug discovery efforts for COVID-19, including reviews on repurposing drugs and testing novel proteins necessary for virus replication. The issue also includes articles on the efficacy of existing treatments and potential off-label candidates.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a potential genetic target for treating an especially painful and invasive form of endometriosis. They discovered that targeting super-enhancers, altered by a mutation in the ARID1A gene, could lead to effective treatment using epigenetic therapy.
Researchers have identified a unique population of CD38hiCD127- CD8 T cells in patients with checkpoint inhibitor-induced arthritis, which are both cytotoxic and proliferating. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted treatments for this side effect.
Researchers discovered that overexpressing protein kinase A (PKA) improves muscle resistance to fatigue in mice by suppressing FoxO proteins and increasing oxidative potential. This study offers a potential solution for treating atrophy and promoting muscle growth without severe side effects.
Researchers have discovered a potential broad-spectrum anti-viral drug target by identifying how encapsulated viruses hijack the protein manufacturing and distribution pathways in cells. This approach offers an attractive alternative to developing individual drugs for each virus, with the same compound targeting multiple viruses.
Centenary Institute scientists discovered that two key proteins involved in blood clotting and immunity exist in multiple disulphide-bonded states. This finding has significant implications for drug development and the fight against disease, as different states of a protein may bind more or less preferentially to drugs.
Professor Robert Prud'homme at Princeton University has been awarded the inaugural Dean for Research Award for Distinguished Innovation for his invention of flash nanoprecipitation, a technique that promises to improve drug delivery. The award recognizes Prud'homme's innovative approach to solving critical challenges in society.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a deep learning model to predict the binding sites of known protease inhibitors targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The model can help drug developers prioritize promising candidates and save time and money in the early stages of drug development.
A real-time tracking system reveals a 15% increase in suspected opioid overdose deaths and a 29% rise in naloxone rescue attempts by EMS since March, coinciding with the pandemic's peak. The System for Opioid Overdose Surveillance (SOS) helps first responders target their efforts and provides critical data for public health authorities.
The D3Targets-2019-nCoV webserver uses molecular docking to predict potential drug targets for SARS-CoV-2 and identifies lead compounds via multi-site docking. The server incorporates various features, including correlated conformations and binding sites, making it a valuable tool for medicinal chemists and clinicians combating COVID-19.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine identified PKM2 as a critical enzyme involved in immune cell differentiation and exacerbation of inflammation in autoimmune diseases. The findings suggest that targeting PKM2 could lead to more effective treatments, reducing symptoms by over 50%.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new type of microrobot that can navigate through the rough terrain of a human colon, enabling potential targeted drug delivery without causing side effects. The microrobots use magnetic fields to tumble and move through the colon, allowing for controlled release of medication.
Researchers mapped host interactions of MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 to identify potential drug targets. Studying patient data showed that COVID-19 patients treated with drugs targeting specific host factors fared better.
Researchers have found that a virus-mimicking drug can make certain stealthy melanoma tumors visible to the immune system, allowing for better targeting by immunotherapy. The findings open up new possibilities for personalized therapies in hard-to-treat cancers.
Researchers discovered a potential way to prevent long-lasting brain damage in newborn children by targeting the histamine H2 receptor. A protein known as the histamine H2 receptor inhibits the formation of mature oligodendrocytes, leading to improved recovery from hypoxia-ischemia in mice treated with cimetidine.
Recent advances in nonhormone therapy provide women with more options for managing hot flashes. The new treatments target the KNDy neuron complex, which is activated during menopause, resulting in hot flashes. These innovations include drugs developed for pain control and mood disorders acting via KNDy.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the biology of schistosomes, a parasitic flatworm that causes schistosomiasis. By identifying key vulnerabilities, scientists hope to develop new treatments for this deadly disease, which affects up to 250,000 people annually.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to examine proteins in keen detail, using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and innovative microscopy techniques. This new technique resolves single molecules, including proteins, with high sensitivity.
A study analyzing nearly 900 kidney cancer patients identified novel biomarkers and gene signatures associated with treatment response. These findings could help personalize treatments for patients based on their individual tumor characteristics.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive analysis pipeline using genetic prediction of protein levels to prioritize drug targets. This approach has quantified the potential for reducing drug development failure rates and could help identify novel drug targets.
A new algorithm called Ohm predicts allosteric sites in proteins using their structure, which can aid in protein engineering and drug design. The tool may help reduce unintended side effects caused by drugs targeting similar proteins.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that JAK inhibitors improved developmental milestones in patients with AGS, a rare genetic disorder. The treatment showed promise in improving neurological function, particularly in children who received higher doses.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered that senolytic drugs can rejuvenate older organs, reducing inflammation and improving survival rates. The study suggests that these drugs could help close the gap between organ demand and supply, benefiting patients on transplant waitlists.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new equation to describe the activity of enzyme cascades in cells. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of how enzymes control cellular signaling and potentially improve drug development for cancer treatment.
Researchers successfully inhibited the P2X4 receptor, which plays a significant role in post-stroke damage and recovery. The study shows that short-term inhibition of this receptor can regulate immune cell activation and improve both acute and chronic stroke recovery.
Biomedical scientists have discovered that diethylcarbamazine directly targets parasitic worms with a temporary paralysis, allowing the host's body to flush out the parasites. This breakthrough could lead to better predictability of resistance development and more effective treatment outcomes for patients.
Researchers at the University of Chicago used computational analysis to identify ebselen as a potential treatment for COVID-19. The study found that ebselen can decrease Mpro's activity in two different ways, making it a promising lead for developing new therapeutic strategies against the virus.
Researchers propose a treatment paradigm targeting leukotrienes, which play a key role in severe COVID-19 cases. The proposed combination of zileuton and montelukast could help reduce inflammation and prevent pulmonary edema.
A new study suggests that repurposing cancer drugs to target human enzymes could lead to effective treatments for COVID-19, while reducing the risk of drug resistance. This approach has the potential to save years of research and millions of dollars in development costs.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys aim to develop new therapies for schizophrenia, depression, anxiety and substance abuse by identifying potential drug targets in 'orphan' receptors. The team has created an innovative platform called LIFT to screen small molecules and validate these receptors as bonafide drug targets.
Researchers found that beta2-adrenergic receptors in brown fat cells stimulate thermogenesis, a process that burns calories and improves insulin sensitivity. The discovery could lead to new treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at UNH identified rare base-flipping events in an RNA virus that could be used to develop new treatments. The study provides insights into how viral RNAs interact with inhibitors, which could lead to the design of better drugs.
A new study has pinpointed the specific brain cells responsible for triggering sugar cravings and overconsumption. The research, led by Matthew Potthoff and Matthew Gillum, reveals that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) acts on glutamatergic neurons to lower sugar intake and sweet taste preference.
A team of researchers has discovered a new role for a tiny linker in regulating transmembrane ion channels, which could lead to new targets for drugs and treatment in conditions such as hypertension and autism. The study found that the linker plays a more active sensing role than previously thought.
UQ researchers have solved a 50-year-old enzyme mystery, revealing the complete structure of an essential amino acid synthesizing enzyme. This discovery could lead to the development of new herbicides and antimicrobial agents, potentially restoring effective treatment options for infections such as tuberculosis and invasive Candida.
Researchers found that hyperactive immune cells aggravate heart valve disease by activating harmful inflammation due to shear stress. The study identified a potential drug target, Piezo-1, and showed that replacing the aortic valve has an anti-inflammatory effect.
UTEP research reveals a new target for tuberculosis drug development by investigating the mechanisms of Mtb pathogenesis and discovering that Nα-acetylation of EsxA drastically affects the course of infection. The study provides a beautiful story in the prestigious Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Researchers identified seven clinically approved antiviral drugs that could disrupt the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 replication and infection. These drugs target kinases, which are potential targets for treating COVID-19, and may alleviate exaggerated inflammatory symptoms.
Scientists discovered a cell signaling pathway that could lead to new treatments for tuberous sclerosis complex, a neurological disorder causing non-cancerous tumors and epilepsy. The heat shock protein cascade restored normal mTOR activity in TSC cells, offering potential drug targets.
A new class of precision medicine targeting cancer's ability to repair its DNA has shown promising results, with half of patients experiencing tumor growth halt. The drug works by stopping cancers from repairing DNA damage and is particularly effective when combined with chemotherapy.
Researchers have found that certain cancer therapeutics concentrate within cells' tiny functional compartments called organelles, known as condensates. This discovery could lead to a new toolset for drug development by tailoring chemicals to seek out and concentrate in specific droplets.
Researchers have gained detailed insights into how a key protein receptor interacts with GABA, providing a clear target for new therapeutic drugs. The study's findings offer promise for improved treatments of neurological disorders such as epilepsy and muscle spasticity.
A study compares the effective magnetic moments of different multicore nanoparticle systems, showing they are magnetic-field dependent. The findings are important for optimizing magnetic nanoparticles for various applications, including magnetic hyperthermia and targeted drug delivery.
A new technology has been developed to rapidly create homogeneous antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that target specific sites on cancer cells. The USC team's approach offers improved efficiency and potential enhanced stability, effectiveness, and safety compared to current methods.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a key target for ketamine: specific serotonin receptors in the brain. The study found that low doses of ketamine increase the number of these receptors, reducing the release of serotonin and increasing dopamine levels.
A recent study provides a comprehensive review of COVID-19 clinical findings, highlighting key immunological factors underlying the disease progression. The research proposes repurposing approved and available drugs to treat COVID-19, targeting entry into host cells, replication, and lung function.
Researchers propose target trials to gather human drug exposure data for pregnant people, offering a basis for causal inference. Genomic data and organ-on-a-chip technologies will help validate results, making this a valid and ethical workflow for large-scale drug screening.
Recent genome-wide association studies identify genetic variants associated with schizophrenia, promising new treatments targeting the underlying biology and pathophysiology of the disorder. Researchers review efforts to bridge the gap between genetic findings and innovative treatments.
Jan Kubanek's new procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to alter brain state, treating mental disorders and neurological conditions. The non-invasive treatment shows promise in targeting individual neural circuits for personalized therapy.
A new predictor for brain cancer patients' life expectancy has been developed using a genome-wide pattern of DNA copy numbers. The pattern identifies patients who survive for a median of three years, three times longer than those without it.
A study published in Nature Communications identified an activating somatic mutation in the mTOR gene as a common cause of chronic GvHD. The mutation was found in 2.2% of chronic GvHD patients but not in healthy blood donors, suggesting a potential target for individualized treatments.
A team of researchers argues that repurposing existing medicines for COVID-19 treatment could be a rapid alternative to vaccine development. The focus is on targeting key proteins on cell surfaces, such as ACE2 and TMPRSS2, with approved or clinical trial drugs like remdesivir.
A new study found that South Dakota's 24/7 Sobriety Program significantly lowers the likelihood of rearrest or probation revocation among drunk driving offenders, particularly those with a history of second or third offenses. The program's frequent alcohol testing and swift sanctions appear to be key factors in reducing recidivism rates.
A clinical trial found that a breast cancer drug called olaparib is more effective than targeted hormone therapy at keeping advanced prostate cancer in check. The study showed significant delays in disease progression for men with faulty DNA repair genes.
Researchers found that FDA-approved drugs Betaxolol and Pravastatin can increase muscle strength in mouse models of DMD by stimulating utrophin production. This approach could lead to novel therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, potentially offering advantages over traditional gene replacement methods.