Research on the molecular targets that drugs act on. Covers new antibiotic mechanisms, drug discovery competitions, bile-acid pathways, and Alzheimer's targets.
A research team found that Dasatinib, a leukemia treatment, suppressed glial cell activity and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, inhibiting encephalitis reactions. The study revealed the efficacy of drug repositioning to treat degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers used ultrashort X-ray pulses to study Photosystem I, a large biomolecular system converting sunlight into chemical energy. This breakthrough paves the way for time-resolved studies on electron transfer in photosynthesis, with potential applications in medicine and next-generation solar energy storage.
Researchers identify a potential target for eliminating leukemia stem cells using vitamin K3, which stabilizes the DYRK2 enzyme. This approach could lead to treatment-free remissions and improved patient outcomes.
A new poll finds that half of older Americans have taken leftover antibiotics without guidance, while one in five expect doctors to prescribe them for colds. Despite widespread awareness of antibiotic resistance, many older adults engage in risky practices, highlighting opportunities for education and improved prescribing.
A comprehensive genome sequencing study reveals rare CFTR mutations in Puerto Rican and Dominican patients, driving the disease's progression. This finding underscores the need for diverse clinical trials to develop personalized therapies, as transformative new drugs may not benefit minority populations.
A new healthcare framework aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases by classifying and staging severity. The framework, developed by an international team of experts, includes a comprehensive classification system for aging-related diseases in all organs.
Researchers solved the three-dimensional structure of potassium chloride cotransporter 1 (KCC1) using cryo-electron microscopy. The study's findings provide new insights into the protein's role in regulating cell volume, particularly in the kidneys and brain, and shed light on potential treatments for hereditary epilepsy.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism by which cancer cells become resistant to ferroptosis, a type of cell death. A molecule called FSP1 acts as a lipid antioxidant, rescuing cancer cells from ferroptosis even when they are starved of GPX4.
Researchers at the University of Dundee have discovered an enzyme that could prevent Group A Streptococcus infections by inhibiting a carbohydrate coating on the bacterium's surface. The discovery offers new opportunities for developing antimicrobial drugs with minimal off-target effects.
Researchers found that suppressing neural overactivity extends life span in humans, while excessive activity is linked to shorter life spans. The study suggests a role for the protein REST in modulating neural activity and activating a longevity pathway.
A phase III trial found that olaparib significantly delayed disease progression by about four months compared to enzalutamide and abiraterone, resulting in a 66 per cent greater delay. The study highlighted the importance of genomic testing in prostate cancer patients.
A modern chemotherapy drug is more effective against advanced prostate cancer than a second targeted hormone therapy, with cabazitaxel extending men's lives by an average of 3 months. The study suggests that cancer's lethal ability to develop drug resistance affects treatment response across precision medicines.
Researchers at University of Eastern Finland developed a new approach to improve brain drug delivery by utilizing LAT1. The study showed that prodrugs can be converted into active drugs that utilize LAT1 for cell entry, achieving higher concentrations in target cells.
Researchers identified links between genetic variants and early activation of memory T cells, suggesting problems with regulating this process could lead to immune diseases. The study's findings could help narrow down the search for molecular pathways involved in immune diseases.
Researchers use CRISPR gene editing and MICS to identify genes that can be targeted by drugs in cancer and regenerative medicine, revealing promising targets for cancer treatment. The technology also enables faster harvesting of desired cell types for therapy.
A new study found that combining a G12C KRAS inhibitor with two other compounds can significantly shrink lung tumours in mice and human cancer cells. This combination block the mTOR and IGF1R pathways, making it a promising avenue for treating lung adenocarcinomas with the deadly G12C KRAS mutation.
A study of people who use illicit opioids found that 27% prefer drugs with fentanyl, and these users are more likely to be younger, white, and daily users. The study suggests that harm-reduction strategies should target users who fit this profile, particularly those using portable drug-checking technologies.
Researchers compared three frontline breast cancer drugs and found significant differences in their biological activity. Abemaciclib was shown to be more effective than other drugs at high doses, affecting proteins beyond CDK4/6, suggesting it may work differently for patients who don't respond to other treatments.
Research in flies reveals potential drug targets for gout, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and kidney stones by manipulating insulin-like signaling pathway. Elevated uric acid levels increase risk of these diseases, emphasizing the importance of routine screenings in humans.
A breakthrough in monkey malaria research by University of Otago scientists could help diagnose and treat a relapsing form of human malaria. The team has developed an in vitro culture method for the vivax malaria parasite, which is closely related to the relapsing parasite.
Researchers developed a fruit fly strain that builds up uric acid when triggered by high-purine diet, revealing the insulin-like signaling pathway's role in regulating uric acid levels. This model could help identify new drugs for diseases linked to uric acid accumulation.
Researchers at NUST MISIS have identified a mechanism for removing magnetic nanoparticles through the kidneys, allowing for safer drug delivery. The study used a combination of techniques to track nanoparticle transport, revealing that they can be excreted directly into the renal tubule, reducing the risk of liver accumulation.
Researchers developed a new method to analyze nanoparticles' movements in real-time, finding that targeting nanostars rotate faster and move across larger areas than non-targeting counterparts. This technology holds promise for reducing side effects of cancer treatments by delivering drugs directly to diseased cells.
Researchers have identified propranolol's molecular target for its ability to treat vascular diseases, including hemangiomas and hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia. The study suggests that a specific component of the drug may be responsible for its therapeutic effects.
A study by University of Notre Dame researcher Siyuan Zhang and collaborators identified a gene that makes triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells vulnerable to existing therapies. The discovery suggests that a targeted drug therapy may be effective for this aggressive type of breast cancer.
A new study using a cryo-electron microscope provides critical information for developing anti-nausea drugs that are effective against cancer patients' vomiting side effects. The high-resolution images reveal the attachment site of widely-used setron drugs on serotonin receptors, offering insights into how their design might be improved.
Serial femtosecond X-ray crystallography (SFX) allows researchers to analyze the tertiary structure of proteins previously inaccessible. This method uses powerful X-ray free-electron lasers to generate diffraction patterns before destroying the sample, enabling faster and cheaper drug design.
Researchers found ivacaftor significantly reduces P. aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus spp. infections in CF patients, with a 32% reduction in P. aeruginosa and 15% reduction in Staphylococcus aureus.
A stealthy new drug-delivery system has been developed that disguises chemotherapeutics as fat, allowing it to penetrate and destroy tumors while minimizing side effects. The system uses a long-chain fatty acid with two binding sites to attach to drugs, which are then carried by human serum albumin throughout the body.
Researchers found a human gene present in 75% of the population affects treatment response in Alzheimer's patients. The study suggests that different mechanisms work in different patients, requiring personalized treatments to improve outcomes.
Rutgers researchers created a portable device that combines artificial intelligence and biosensors to detect live cancer cells after treatment, providing rapid results for personalized interventions. The device achieves 95.9% accuracy in counting live cancer cells without staining, enabling further molecular analysis and instant detect...
A new class of drug lead derived from N-arylpyrrole exhibits potent anesthetic activity with minimal blood pressure suppression, suggesting a safer alternative to traditional anesthetics. The compound shows promise in tadpoles and rats, providing hope for improved patient safety.
Scientists at NCATS and NIDCR report a new strategy to alleviate chronic itch by blocking a receptor found on spinal cord neurons. They identified approximately 1,400 compounds worth examining more closely, with 15 showing promise in halting both human and mouse versions of the receptor.
A new study from King's College London found that GP antibiotic prescribing has decreased overall, but at a slower rate for older patients and those with unclear diagnoses. The study analyzed data from 102 general practices in England from 2014 to 2017 and showed a 6.9% decline in total antibiotic prescribing per year.
Researchers characterized the interaction between potentiators and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein at atomic resolution. The study found that two distinct compounds act on the same region of CFTR, pointing to strategies for developing more effective drugs.
A study of 17,018 individuals with autoimmune diseases found a twofold increased risk of developing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis after treatment with etanercept. This association suggests that anti-TNFα agents may provoke inflammatory bowel disease through common immune dysregulation mechanisms.
MIT researchers have created a novel way to encapsulate islet cells, which they are developing as a possible treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes. The crystallized drug formulation prevents immune system rejection and allows the device to function for more than a year.
Researchers review advances in biochip technology, which is driving groundbreaking discoveries in biology and medicine. Biochips are being applied to real-world settings, enabling single-cell analysis and preprocessing for high-throughput sequencing.
Researchers have found an enzyme in the body that metabolizes compounds from tobacco smoke, alcohol, and certain foods into chemicals that trigger Parkinson's disease. Mitochondrial CYP2D6 is a promising new target for treating idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
Scientists have created a detailed anatomical map of the respiratory airways, producing the first draft Human Cell Atlas of the lung. The study revealed an entirely new cell state that produces mucus in asthma patients, and large differences between normal and asthmatic lungs.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a DNA-encoded chemical library of over one million macrocycles, which can be used to identify new medicines. The library is rich in diversity and includes elements commonly found in natural biologically active macrocycles.
A UC Riverside-led study reveals that overactive endocannabinoid signaling in the gut blocks satiation signals, leading to overeating and obesity. Researchers hope to develop drugs targeting these receptors to address obesity.
A clinical trial found that teplizumab, an immunotherapy drug, can delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in people at high risk. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed a median delay of two years in children and adults.
A UCLA-led research team has pinpointed a three-drug combination that can effectively treat advanced melanoma. The approach shows promise for extending the lives of people with BRAF V600E mutated melanoma, with progression-free survival lasting an average of 16 months.
The world's protected areas are failing to conserve biodiversity due to inadequate resources, with only 4-9% of species represented within adequately resourced PAs. The study recommends using simple indicators to measure PA effectiveness and prioritizing conservation actions to address the growing biodiversity crisis.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have identified a new internal regulator that helps control the body's response to fight infection. The discovery has the potential to help find new drugs to tackle autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and scleroderma, by suppressing the immune system.
Seven cutting-edge research projects have been awarded grants to tackle pancreatic cancer, with a focus on early diagnosis, potential new treatments, and understanding immunotherapy's limitations.
Researchers used genetically modified fruit flies to test candidate treatments for a patient with KRAS-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer. The approach identified trametinib plus zoledronate as a promising combination that prolonged survival and reduced targeted tumors.
The June cover of SLAS Discovery features an article on the benefits of open sharing of compounds in drug discovery. By leveraging pooled knowledge, dark proteins have emerged as potential drug targets, offering a promising approach to exploring new medicines.
A new approach to targeting cancer cells has been developed by UC Riverside researchers, who have found that drugs targeting other amino acids like lysine and tyrosine can be more effective. The study provides novel avenues for deriving potent and selective PPI antagonists
Researchers have identified a promising therapeutic target for metastatic prostate cancer by inhibiting the PHLPP2 protein, which stabilizes the oncogenic protein MYC. This finding has implications for treating other cancers driven by MYC and could lead to efficient new drugs.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have uncovered a critical mechanism that enables segmented RNA viruses to replicate and survive. The discovery provides new potential targets for the development of antiviral drugs, which could help combat emerging and fatal viruses such as Lassa fever and Rift Valley fever.
A study found that patients taking newer, targeted biologics for psoriasis have a decreased risk of serious infection compared to older medications. The researchers analyzed large insurance claims databases and found that certain biologics like apremilast, etanercept, and ustekinumab had a lower risk of infection.
Researchers have identified 18 unique cell populations in RA joint tissue, including a fibroblast subset that produces pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6. COX inhibitors like NSAIDs also alter these macrophages, but not TNF responses, suggesting new treatment approaches may be needed.
A new computational framework has compared four rheumatoid arthritis medications' impact on biological pathways in mice, revealing previously unknown differences in gene expression. The study suggests that some treatments may affect non-arthritis-related genes, providing new insights into arthritis pathology mechanisms.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes reveal acetylation and phosphorylation tag-team to guide RNA polymerase through transcription steps. This regulation enables cells to efficiently coordinate gene expression and respond to external stimuli.
The pharmaceutical industry is embracing continuous manufacturing processes, offering reduced costs, factory space, and processing time. Companies like Janssen, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer have received approvals for drugs produced by continuous processes, paving the way for more complex chemistries.
Researchers found that resting state of signaling proteins are highly mobile and dynamic, affecting how they respond to drugs. This new understanding may explain previous disappointments in drug development for neurological diseases.
Researchers identified insulin as a primary signal that helps communicate meal timing to the body clock, driving daily physiological rhythms. This discovery could lead to new therapies targeting insulin signaling and emphasize the importance of meal timing for maintaining healthy body clocks.
A team of scientists has identified 104 high-risk genes for schizophrenia, which may lead to the development of targeted treatments. The study's framework could also help track down genetic suspects in other complex diseases.