Articles tagged with Drug Targets
A new medicine under development, vamorolone, shows improved safety in treating both inflammation and heart disease in experimental models of DMD. This is significant because the current standard of care, prednisone, reduces chronic inflammation but has harsh side effects.
Researchers at OHSU discovered a gene linked to lower expression in primates who consumed heavy amounts of alcohol, which reduced consumption by almost 50% when increased in mice. The study highlights a novel target for treating alcoholism and mood disorders.
A study by MGH researchers reveals that brain tumors use existing blood vessels to resist anti-angiogenic drugs, leading to compression and stimulation of angiogenesis. The study suggests targeting vessel co-option before using anti-angiogenic drugs could be an effective strategy for glioblastoma treatment.
A first-in-human study demonstrated the ability of a new class of antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics to target the liver, resulting in improved potency and safety at therapeutic doses. The study showed that the conjugated drug was up to 30-fold more potent than the parent antisense oligonucleotide.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered two new genetic targets, APEX2 and FEN1, which show promise as potential treatments for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. The study's findings suggest that inhibiting these enzymes could complement existing Parp inhibitors and address drug resistance in BRCA-driven cancer.
A large-scale genetic study has uncovered 52 new genetic changes linked to osteoarthritis, which may help identify new treatment targets and repurpose existing medications. The study analyzed the genomes of over 77,000 people with osteoarthritis and found potential avenues for drug exploration.
Researchers identified a new process capable of generating antibiotic resistance in bacteria up to 600 million years ago. The discovery highlights the need for combined multidrug treatments and reduced agricultural use of antibacterials.
New research reveals a link between immune checkpoint inhibitors and the development of musculoskeletal and rheumatic diseases. The most commonly reported adverse events include arthralgia, myalgia, sicca syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatica, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
A new USC study found that blood-brain barrier breakdown is an early driver of dementia, with leaky capillaries in the brain signaling cognitive impairment before hallmark toxic proteins appear. The study suggests new targets for drugs to slow down or prevent dementia's onset.
A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that ibrutinib is significantly more effective than standard therapy in treating CLL, causing fewer side effects and requiring less frequent patient visits. Ibrutinib was shown to improve survival rates by 13% compared to standard treatment.
Scientists have successfully mapped the active-state structure of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, a critical drug target for regulating blood pressure and kidney function. The study provides insights into how this receptor activates and offers clues for developing new medications that activate rather than block the receptor.
A Penn study reveals that individual genetic variation can predict how well patients respond to certain anti-diabetes drugs, including thiazolidinediones. The researchers identified a specific genetic variation associated with increased cholesterol levels in response to rosiglitazone treatment.
A recent study characterizes silent seizures in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome and identifies the thalamus as a potential target to stop them. The researchers developed two new strategies to prevent non-convulsive seizures, which can disrupt consciousness and occur hundreds of times daily in affected children.
Recent advances in computational methods enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of label-free quantification (LFQ) in cancer proteomics, enabling discovery of anti-cancer targets and drugs. The study evaluates popular acquisition techniques and state-of-the-art quantification tools to improve LFQ performance.
A class of breast cancer drugs could potentially benefit patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancers that have become resistant to treatment. Lung tumours in mice caused by mutations in a gene called EGFR shrunk significantly when a protein called p110α was blocked.
Research reveals flavonoids as potent P-gp modulators with high binding affinity and low toxicity, offering a new generation of drug candidates to reverse multidrug resistance. Synthetic flavonoid dimer FD18 specifically targets the pseudodimeric structure of the drug transporter.
Research identifies GM3S and GM3 ganglioside as crucial for intestinal cholesterol uptake, offering a new therapeutic target for reducing high blood cholesterol. A high-cholesterol diet-fed mouse model with deficient GM3S shows lower susceptibility to high blood cholesterol.
Researchers developed a new dielectric blood coagulometry (DBCM) method to assess Factor Xa (FXa) activity in patients treated with FXa inhibitors. The study showed that DBCM detected FXa inhibitor-specific changes in a manner similar to more complicated methods, offering a promising easy-to-use clinical treatment option.
Researchers have reviewed recent developments in monoamine transporter inhibitor design, including structure-activity relationships and binding modes. The study highlights potential applications for these inhibitors in treating depression and behavioral disorders.
Researchers discovered that a drug initially developed for Alzheimer's disease has antibacterial properties, potentially breaking antibiotic resistance in bacteria. The findings suggest the drug could be repurposed to treat infectious diseases.
A comprehensive review highlights novel approaches to slow or prevent Alzheimer's disease, focusing on the effects of aging on the brain. Combination therapy is deemed necessary for better treatment outcomes, similar to other major diseases.
Biologists have visualized the inner workings of cellular 'undertaker' proteasomes using cryo-electron microscopy. The study reveals how ATP powers movements within the motor that enable it to pull in proteins, providing insights into neurogenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, as well as cancer therapy.
A study led by Flinders University found that removing the RCAN1 gene in mice prevented weight gain despite a high-fat diet. Blocking this gene may transform unhealthy white fat into healthy brown fat, presenting a potential treatment method against obesity. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in humans.
Scientists at USC and SLAC develop a 3D map of the structure of a cell receptor as it binds to misoprostol, a key drug for women's health. This research provides a starting point for new drug discoveries that could reduce maternal mortality rates.
Researchers have created an in silico inventory of proteins on cell surfaces using machine learning, predicting the presence of over 2,900 proteins on human cell surfaces. The study reveals a wide variety of surface proteins across different cell types, with primary stem cells showing the greatest diversity.
Researchers have created a new drug that targets the colon and limits its exposure, offering hope for treating Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and preventing colon cancer. The treatment could be effective in reducing life expectancy by nearly 50% for children with FAP.
Researchers identified a gene mutation in SGLT1 that helps protect against spikes in glucose levels, resulting in lower incidence of obesity, diabetes, death, and heart failure. The study's findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for metabolic disease.
A recent trial found that low-dose methotrexate did not lower cardiovascular event rates in patients at high risk for heart disease and stroke. The study, which included over 4,700 participants, showed no significant reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events compared to placebo.
Researchers developed a targeted therapy that enhances fracture repair in vivo, reducing healing time by 60% without impacting surrounding healthy tissue. The therapy, DAC, was found to double bone density and improve treatment intervals, offering potential benefits for the orthopedic community.
Researchers developed a method to release drugs from nanoparticle cages in small areas of the brain, reducing neural activity. The technique uses focused ultrasound to jiggle drug molecules loose and has potential for treating various conditions, including cancer.
The largest genomic study of parasitic worms has identified hundreds of thousands of new genes and predicted many new potential drug targets. The research could lead to new de-worming treatments to help prevent and treat the diseases caused by parasitic worms worldwide.
Researchers have identified a new way to target and degrade a class of proteins called zinc finger transcription factors, which play critical roles in health and disease. By modifying thalidomide analogs, scientists can selectively degrade specific zinc fingers, offering a promising lead for developing new cancer treatments.
Researchers identified potential cancer drugs that disrupt normal chromosome division in cancer cells and induce errors when dividing DNA, posing double trouble for tumor growth. This new approach could inform the development of more effective therapies targeting various types of cancers.
Research suggests that prenatal exposure to most common medications does not increase the risk of autism, contrary to previous studies. Instead, a mother's general health before pregnancy appears to play a more significant role in her child's development.
Researchers have identified potential drug targets for rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting mostly children. A new compound, adavosertib, showed promising results when combined with chemotherapy.
A large-scale study found no strong associations between prenatal exposure to certain medications and increased autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. However, the risk was higher for children whose mothers had pre-existing conditions, suggesting a potential link between maternal health and ASD development.
Researchers at The University of Queensland have developed a promising new therapy using the small molecule MCC950, which blocks NLRP3 activation and prevents brain cell loss in Parkinson's patients. The therapy shows marked improvement in motor function and may offer an alternative approach to current treatments.
A study at Texas A&M University has identified a new brain region, the nucleus reuniens, that plays a role in inhibiting fear. The discovery holds potential for clinical interventions in psychiatric diseases like PTSD and could lead to more targeted treatments.
Researchers have created a comprehensive summary of human cancer genes, known as the Cancer Gene Census. The resource catalogues over 700 genes involved in cancer and describes their functions across different types. This knowledge will help scientists find drug targets and design treatments tailored to individual cancers.
Yale-NUS researchers have discovered a combination of pharmaceutical drugs that extend healthy lifespan and delay ageing in microscopic worms. The study, published in Developmental Cell, lays crucial groundwork for further research into designing drug combinations that produce the same effect in mammals.
A research group led by Professor Sanna Lehtonen found that metformin directly binds to the lipid phosphatase SHIP2, increasing glucose uptake in muscle cells and protecting kidneys from damage. This discovery highlights SHIP2 as a drug target for regulating glucose metabolism and cell death.
Scientists have discovered that alcohol blocks a potassium channel called KCNK13 in the brain, leading to increased dopamine release and pleasure. This finding presents an exciting new target for developing drugs to treat alcohol use disorder.
Oncologists require more education on the use of biosimilars, which could increase patient access to innovative therapies due to economic constraints. ESMO supports their use as cheaper alternatives to reference biologics, promoting sustainable and widely accessible cancer care.
University of Houston biologist Michihisa Umetani has discovered a protein partnership that protects blood vessels from danger. His work aims to target the Liver X Receptor (LXR) for new medicines to prevent atherosclerosis, offering a potential solution to severe side effects associated with current treatments.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a previously uncharacterized structure within the human estrogen receptor that could serve as a valuable new drug target. By disrupting this interface, drugs may be able to inhibit receptor function and prevent metastasis.
A recent study found that palbociclib, a breast cancer drug, can effectively treat acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with reduced toxicity compared to current chemotherapy. This breakthrough could lead to improved survival rates for patients with the serious condition.
A UH biologist is using a new grant to study how defects in cellular cross-talk lead to Crohn's disease. By examining stem cells isolated from patients, she hopes to find new targets for drug development and reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Researchers from Clemson University and Stony Brook University reveal a 3-D structure of a protein fragment that could serve as a drug target in treating stroke patients. The protein, PSD-95, plays a crucial role in maintaining neural connections and facilitating communication, learning, and memory.
A recent study identified three genetic mutations that improve cholesterol profiles and reduce the risk of heart disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms, or diabetes. The PDE3B mutation has shown significant benefits, with a lower risk of heart disease and improved triglyceride levels.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool discovered a lung cancer drug that can degrade 'zombie' proteins linked to leukemia. The study highlights the potential for repurposing drugs to target cancer therapies, particularly in acute myeloid leukaemia and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
The study revealed the atomic-level structure of TRPM2, a protein involved in regulating body temperature and mediating immune responses. The findings provide valuable details that could inform the design of therapeutic drugs to treat temperature-related diseases and prevent neuronal death.
A new study provides overwhelming evidence that direct-acting antiviral therapy is effective in curing hepatitis C in people who inject drugs. The research supports the removal of restrictions on accessing hepatitis C therapy based on recent drug use, aiming to improve public health policy globally.
The Journal of the American Medical Association highlights the growing field of geroscience, which seeks to understand and address the biological mechanisms underlying aging. Researchers from the American Federation for Aging Research are leading the way in this area, exploring therapeutic interventions and extending healthspan.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed an injectable-targeted drug that demonstrates accelerated and improved bone fracture healing. The grant will support human trials for this novel treatment, which could also be used for other conditions such as dental implants and spinal fractures.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens identified three new molecular drug targets for the treatment of primary amebic meningoencephalitis. The researchers found that certain cancer drugs, such as tamoxifen and Prozac, are effective against the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center created a database of daily gene activity rhythms, linking them to drug metabolism. This could lead to improved timing of medication administration by synchronizing with the body's internal clock.
Researchers identify PDGF pathway to improve anti-VEGF therapies for glioblastoma. Adding an additional inhibitor blocks PDGF, making tumors more sensitive to anti-VEGF treatments.
A new study introduces CasPER, a CRISPR/Cas9 method that diversifies enzymes without additional engineering. It enables the efficient integration of large DNA fragments, allowing for hundreds of thousands of enzyme variants to be generated.
A researcher proposes changes to the MCDHS, including addressing use and abuse separately, collecting input from a broader range of stakeholders, and targeting substance-specific experts. This could lead to a more robust understanding of drug risks and improved public health outcomes.
Researchers have crystallized serotonin receptors bound to several compounds, revealing why some drugs cause severe side effects while others do not. The study provides valuable insight into the receptor's structure and binding mechanisms, enabling drug developers to create safer and more effective medications.