Research on the molecular targets that drugs act on. Covers new antibiotic mechanisms, drug discovery competitions, bile-acid pathways, and Alzheimer's targets.
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 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 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 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.
A new study suggests that interventions targeting biological, social, environmental and mental health obstacles are most effective in helping individuals overcome non-medical drug use. For alcohol addiction, simple interventions focusing on alcohol use yield the best results.
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.
A new study confirms that ethambutol, a key TB drug, targets specific proteins in the bacteria. Researchers used cryogenic electron microscopy and x-ray imaging to show how the drug binds to and inactivates these proteins, producing crucial components of the TB cell wall.
A USC-led team of scientists has discovered the precise shape of the melanocortin 4 receptor, a key player in human metabolism. The findings could lead to more effective therapies for obesity and other metabolic diseases, which affect millions worldwide.
New research on the structure of HIV has revealed a promising novel drug target that can prevent further infection by targeting the genetic code. This discovery offers hope for more effective treatments and potentially fewer side effects for HIV patients.
A case series of lung cancer patients taking osimertinib (Tagrisso) revealed a rare twist in the right side of their colon, cecal volvulus. Doctors using this drug with EGFR+ non-small cell lung cancer patients should watch for these cases alongside more expected side effects.
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a protein called Meis1 that works with Hoxb13 to stop heart cell division, but deleting both genes can help heart cells regenerate. This finding could lead to new treatments for heart failure and other conditions.
A recent study published in Nature Cancer has revealed a critical pathway that regulates the production of PD-L1, a protein used by cancer cells to evade the immune system. By targeting this pathway, researchers hope to develop more effective cancer immunotherapies.
Researchers discovered that T cells respond differently to immune signals based on their 'training', revealing a continuum of memory experience. This spectrum affects how fast a cell can respond and what signals it can respond to.
A new study identifies key genes driving fibrolamellar carcinoma, a rare and deadly liver cancer. Researchers developed a cell model to test combination therapy strategies, including inhibitors of genes SLC16A14 and CA12, which showed promising results in killing tumor cells.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have discovered the structure of adhesive pili in Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major bacterial pathogen causing gum disease. The study sheds light on how these pili assemble and provides insights into combating diseases associated with P. gingivalis.
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered a lipid gradient in tears that helps form and maintain the tear film's inner liquid layer and outer lipid layer. This finding could lead to new treatments for dry eye disease by targeting the lipid layer.
Researchers found that a key TB antibiotic can't irreversibly inhibit an enzyme, instead allowing it to function again through hydrolysis. This discovery could lead to the development of improved versions of the drug and new treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The new drug Ru-Pt combines cisplatin, phenylbutyrate, and a PDT drug into one compound, increasing the chances of killing all cancer cells. It shows significant efficiency in killing cancer cells and has a ten times higher efficiency for drug-resistant cell lines than single reagents.
Researchers found that Aspergillus molds attack the lung's epithelial cells, causing a leaky barrier and triggering an overreaction to future mold exposure. The TRPV4-calcium pathway plays a key role in this response, suggesting new avenues for preventing asthma.
Researchers uncovered how approximately 80% of screened cytotoxic compounds rely on solute carriers for activity, providing insights into drug mechanisms and SLC biology. The study also highlights the need for systematic surveys of transporter-drug relationships to develop more effective precision therapies.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that microglia can both protect and damage the blood-brain barrier, depending on the level of systemic inflammation. The researchers used fluorescent labeling and two-photon imaging to study the interactions between microglia and the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers found 31 broad-spectrum antiviral agents that could be used to treat and prevent COVID-19. These existing drugs have already been shown to be safe for human use and may offer a faster alternative to developing new treatments.
A breakthrough discovery by Trinity College Dublin researchers identifies Caspase-11 as a key driver of allergic inflammation in asthma. This finding holds great promise for developing new therapeutic options to treat the debilitating disease.
Dr. Silvia Fossati, a Temple University Health System researcher, has been awarded a $500,000 grant to develop an Alzheimer's-specific version of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor drug family. The goal is to target mitochondrial dysfunction, amyloid protein build-up, and inflammation in the brain, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.
The discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 systems has revolutionized pharmaceutical research by allowing for industrial-scale gene editing and functional genomic screening. This enables the identification of new biological targets for precision medicines and the exploration of mechanisms of drug resistance and sensitivity ahead of clinical trials.
The Kong group will investigate how neurons and muscle cells communicate, with the goal of understanding how to reactivate neurons in injured muscle. They will also develop a drug delivery system to target tau proteins responsible for Alzheimer's disease.
The new guidelines, if implemented, would lead to a substantial financial burden on health systems due to the high cost of PCSK9 inhibitors. Around 50% of patients with a recent heart attack would be eligible for these expensive drugs, which could increase treatment costs by over 4,500 euros annually.
A team of NUS researchers identified a novel protein S1P2 that can protect nerve cells from damage and pain when activated with a drug-like compound. This discovery holds promise for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, as well as other forms of neuropathy.
Target-based ecological compensation provides a framework for linking compensatory requirements to biodiversity targets, ensuring no net loss of species habitats. This approach resolves uncertainty and promotes better outcomes for the planet and people.
A novel injectable drug, NOV004, is being developed by Novosteo Inc. to heal broken bones faster and strengthen weak bones. The treatment concentrates at the fracture site while reducing exposure to the rest of the body, potentially reducing mortality rates among older adults.
Researchers discovered EphA2 protein plays a crucial role in cerebral malaria by disrupting blood-brain barrier, leading to leaky brain and deadly symptoms. Blocking EphA2 with drugs may prevent disease in humans, offering hope for alleviating this condition.
A recent study published in Blood Advances eliminates BCL-W as a potential therapeutic target for B cell lymphomas. The research team used gene editing technology and demonstrated that human B cell lymphoma cell lines can survive without BCL-W, contradicting earlier speculation about its role in cancer survival.
Scientists have made an important discovery that could lead to more effective treatments for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that drugs targeting the IL-17 molecule may not need to get across the blood-brain-barrier to be effective in treating MS.
A newly identified compound, C1, is a covalent gamma-secretase inhibitor that blocks the production of amyloids by inhibiting the enzyme's activity on the amyloid precursor protein. This approach avoids traditional enzyme inhibitors' severe side effects and shows promise for treating Alzheimer's disease.
A research team has discovered a possible target for new sleeping sickness drugs using an X-ray laser. The scientists decoded the structure of a key enzyme in the parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which could lead to a specific drug that kills the parasite.
A collaboration between Rutgers University and Scripps Research has led to the discovery of a small molecule that reduces α-synuclein protein levels, potentially slowing or stopping Parkinson's disease progression. This finding offers hope for early-stage patients and may be applicable to other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
A comprehensive roadmap has been established to evaluate and implement ivermectin as a complementary vector control tool against malaria. The roadmap aims to decrease malaria transmission by targeting the vector population, bypassing challenges of insecticide resistance and residual transmission.
Scientists have shed light on the structure and functioning mechanism of CysLT receptors, regulating inflammatory responses associated with allergic disorders. The study identified critical ligand-binding determinants, enabling better understanding of receptor-ligand complexes and potential drug targets.
A new study reveals that certain enzymes, known as cathepsins, not only promote diseases like cancer but also cannibalize and deactivate each other. By modeling these interactions, researchers hope to develop more effective inhibitors with fewer side effects.
Researchers mapped protein-drug interactions in rat organs and blood, revealing potential drug targets. The study represents a significant advancement for translational research, allowing direct monitoring of biological changes in an organ.
Researchers at UC Riverside are targeting cancer-causing genes Mcl-1 and Bfl-1 for novel therapies in melanoma and lung cancers. They aim to develop potent agents that can help tackle chemotherapy-resistant cancers.
Researchers scanned the brains of young adults with ADHD while taking methylphenidate to study its effect on the brain's reward system. The results showed that methylphenidate increased activity in the ventral striatum in response to rewards, suggesting a possible mechanism for improving focus and behavior in individuals with ADHD.
Researchers found an average increase in stem cell count of 68% with minimal side effects, reducing 'stressed' cells and improving conditions for pregnancy. The treatment aims to prevent miscarriage by normalizing the womb lining.
Australian researchers have identified a new drug target for preventing the deadliest malaria parasite from spreading infection. The breakthrough involves blocking the export of gametocyte proteins, essential for malaria transmission, using small molecule inhibitors developed at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new tool that provides more reliable and precise results in identifying protein targets for cancer drugs. The tool uses a database of experimentally determined data to analyze the effects of different drugs on various types of cancer cells.
A new analysis confirms human genomic data can predict success in clinical trials, with genetically supported drug targets twice as likely to be approved. Historically, drugs targeting proteins with amino acid sequence changes linked to the disease have the best chance of approval.
A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine suggests that blocking the protease MT1-MMP could protect the vasculature in the inflamed gut and reduce severity of colitis. The research found that inhibiting this protease could have potential clinical implications, including identifying biomarkers for mild IBD.
A new study found that Class I drug treatment showed increased rates of AFib reoccurrence in obese patients compared to non-obese patients. The study suggests that obesity hinders the effectiveness of these medications, which could impact ethnic minority populations who are more likely to experience obesity and have poorer outcomes.
Researchers have identified 111,582 gene fusions in eight species, including humans, mice, and cattle. The ChiTaRS database provides a list of over 800 druggable fusions useful for personalized therapy in complex diseases like cancers and Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a new therapy that extends the survival of mice with acute myeloid leukemia by blocking the Salt-Inducible Kinase 3 (SIK3) pathway. The treatment, YKL-05-099, is a first in demonstrating anti-cancer effects of SIK3 inhibition using pharmacological blockade.
Researchers discovered that cells with extra chromosome 21 in DS mice activated a biological circuit that detects stress and tamps down protein production, leading to cognitive impairments. By targeting this stress response, scientists were able to reverse learning and memory deficits in the mouse model.
A Scottish government-funded social prescribing initiative failed to improve patients' health-related quality of life. In a subgroup analysis, those who visited the practitioner three or more times showed improved quality of life, but many non-users did not fully utilize the program.