Articles tagged with Drug Targets
A multidrug efflux pump in motion: Researchers have mapped the conformational changes that occur in P-glycoprotein, a protein notorious for pumping chemotherapeutic drugs out of cancer cells. This study sheds light on how P-glycoprotein binds and transports molecules, with potential implications for developing new treatments.
A Georgia State University researcher has received a five-year grant to develop a new drug targeting the Ebola virus. The goal is to find compounds that block the growth of Ebola virus by inhibiting its viral machinery.
Researchers found that blocking Keap1 can prevent amyloid-beta peptides damage in mouse nerve cells and shield brain cells from Alzheimer's symptoms. Boosting Nrf2 by blocking its inhibitor has the potential to develop new drugs with fewer side effects for preventing Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Researchers discovered that drugs targeting inhibitory brain receptors can alter synapse number, potentially offering therapeutic strategies for autism and schizophrenia. Targeted therapy during adolescence may help normalize synapse numbers in individuals with abnormal numbers of synapses.
Researchers at Michigan State University have shown that breast cancer treatment options can be predicted based on gene expression patterns. The study identified a three-drug combination effective in stopping triple-negative breast cancer growth and suggests a personalized approach to care.
Research suggests that stimulating GLP-1-producing neurons in the brain can control appetite and glucose levels. The study found that this stimulation reduced food intake and suppressed glucose generation in lean mice, but had no effect on obese mice.
A mouse study has identified granzyme A as a protein that promotes arthritic inflammation after chikungunya virus infection. The study suggests that granzyme A could serve as a potential target for new drugs to treat chikungunya-related arthritis in humans.
Scientists have developed a new system to aid identification of potential drug targets and treatments for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The system uses genetic engineering techniques to quickly test the effects of chemicals on viral growth, identifying compounds that can block HPV replication.
Researchers created functional microtissue technology that mimics human drug responses, identifying effective anti-cancer drugs. The vascularized micro-tumor platform accurately targets both tumor cells and vessels, offering a breakthrough in cancer treatment
A study found that two problem proteins known to cause Parkinson's disease are chemically linked, suggesting a common target for a single drug. Reducing one protein leads to an increase in the other, which can be mitigated by a treatment targeting the link.
Researchers advocate for a multi-drug treatment strategy to tackle vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell disease, targeting different processes in the pathogenesis. The new approach has shown promising results in reducing crisis episodes, but further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.
Researchers found that LSD alters perception of personal relevance and meaning, linked to serotonin receptors and brain areas involved in self-experience. The findings may lead to new targets for treating psychiatric illnesses or phobias.
A study of 351 patients with EGFR mutant lung cancer and brain metastases found that radiation therapy followed by targeted medicines resulted in the longest overall survival, with median survival times of 46 months and 30 months respectively. The findings suggest that a more aggressive approach to treating brain metastases may be the ...
Researchers identify proteins that interact with cancer-related proteins at the center of cellular signaling networks, potentially leading to new chemotherapies. These 'first neighbor' proteins have a significant impact on cancer progression and may be useful drug targets.
Researchers identified that mesalamine, a medication for ulcerative colitis, works by targeting the bacterial stress response system and reducing polyphosphate production. This study reveals potential new insights into how mesalamine treatment improves the gut microbiome.
Scientists discovered an FDA-approved drug that increases 'good' fat mass and function, preventing weight gain and burning more calories. The drug, bexarotene, converts white fat cells into brown fat-like cells through cellular reprogramming.
Researchers have identified multiple targets for Chagas disease chemotherapy, including ergosterol biosynthesis pathway and cruzipain, a key cysteine protease. Novel synthesized anti-T.cruzi compounds with specific single or multi-target assigned have also been described, highlighting potential for effective treatment.
A team of researchers has found that certain anti-influenza compounds can also inhibit Zika virus infection, providing a potential new treatment for the disease. The study, published in Antiviral Research, shows that these compounds target host cell factors, making them effective against viruses that mutate easily.
Gastroenterology experts argue that removing prescriptions for gluten-free foods would unfairly discriminate against people with coeliac disease. They highlight the high cost of such products (3-4 times standard prices) and limited availability in shops.
Researchers identified a new biological target for treating spinal muscular atrophy by boosting an experimental medicine with Nusinersen. In mouse studies, the combination therapy improved survival time, body weight, and motor movements, suggesting potential benefits for people with the disease.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel biodegradable nanoparticle-based system that utilizes immune cells to target and deliver cancer-fighting drugs directly to tumors. This innovative approach combines the body's natural immune response with targeted delivery, showing promise for effective treatment of various cancers.
A team of biomedical scientists at UC Riverside has identified a specific receptor, TNFR2, that induces M cells, which promote inflammation and worsen IBD. Targeting only this receptor may lead to more effective therapies for IBD patients.
Researchers have developed small proteins called peptides that selectively block a certain type of G-protein signaling. These peptides will be used to study this process in cells and develop potential drugs for diseases involving abnormal G-protein signaling, including melanoma.
Researchers have discovered that the RAGE receptor plays a key role in regulating inflammation through its binding to the leukotriene B4 receptor 1. This interaction modifies LTB4-BLT1 signaling, which modulates the inflammatory response.
A worldwide clinical trial is underway to test a new investigational drug that aims to prevent and delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The drug, developed by Janssen Research & Development, targets the enzyme beta secretase to lower amyloid beta production.
Researchers discovered that two M1-selective medications reversed memory deficits and extended the lifespan of mice with neurodegenerative disease. The findings support the concept that more specific drugs can be effective in treating cognitive symptoms.
A new class of drugs targeting a specific protein receptor has shown promising results in improving cognitive function and extending the life-span of terminally ill mice with neurodegeneration. The study provides hope for developing effective treatments to alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression in Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers have identified a new way of blocking cancer cell invasion using calcium channel blockers, which can stop breast and pancreatic cancer from spreading. The team discovered that these drugs target the sticky finger-like structures on cancer cells, rendering them inactive.
Research by Dr. Josef Penninger found that RANKL inhibition can delay and prevent breast cancer development in mice with mutated BRCA1. The loss of RANK also impaired tumor progression, raising the possibility of a novel targeted approach for breast cancer prevention.
A team of researchers has identified a network of genes in the brain that contribute to epilepsy, and predicts that a known anti-epileptic drug can restore its function. The study's 'network-biology' approach may provide a faster and cheaper way to discover new treatments.
A new study reveals that diabetes drugs' weight loss effects are controlled by multiple brain regions, excluding the hypothalamus. Researchers hope to develop more effective treatments for obesity by understanding how these drugs work in the brain.
A study led by UC Riverside's Maurizio Pellecchia advocates for focusing on Bfl-1 as a drug target to fight cancer. The research team found that Bfl-1 is more relevant than previously thought and can be targeted with innovative inhibitors.
Scientists at University of California San Diego determined the 3D structure of CCR2 simultaneously bound to two inhibitors, providing insights for developing anti-inflammatory drugs. The study reveals how these molecules turn the receptor 'off' by blocking natural chemokine binding and preventing inflammatory signal transmission.
A phase 1 clinical trial has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of a combination of two targeted agents, ibrutinib and TGR-1202, in treating relapsed or hard-to-treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The regimen showed promising results, with one patient achieving complete remission.
A comprehensive analysis of existing drugs has identified areas where human genes and proteins could be promising targets for new treatments, as well as gaps in current medicine. The study also found that 70% of targeted drugs work on just four families of proteins, leaving vast swathes of human biology untouched.
Millions of children in developing countries die due to treatable diseases caused by unpleasant tastes of medications. The Monell Center is working on a project to identify compounds that block bitter or other bad tastes, aiming to improve compliance with life-saving oral medications.
A study found that adverse drug events in the US resulted in an estimated 4 ED visits per 1,000 individuals annually in 2013-2014. Anticoagulants and diabetes agents were implicated in 47% of these events, with older adults experiencing higher hospitalization rates.
Adoption of targeted therapies for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) could raise treatment costs in the US by almost 600 percent, according to a Massachusetts General Hospital-led research team. The average annual cancer treatment cost has increased from below $10,000 to over $100,000.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found associations between non-medical use of prescription drugs and unhealthy weight management practices among high school students. Female students were more likely to engage in these behaviors, which can have adverse health outcomes.
Researchers have developed a biocompatible heterogeneous copper catalyst that can assemble building blocks in a living system, enabling the creation of anti-tumor drugs. The catalyst was tested in biological systems and found to be effective in stopping cell growth and initiating programmed cell death.
The study found that the GSK3 enzyme regulates the persistent sodium current, which affects a nerve cell's excitability and firing activity. This discovery may lead to chronotherapeutics, where treatments are tailored to the time of day to maximize health benefits and minimize side effects.
Kent's Dr Mark Shepherd and PhD student Charlie Hobbs provide new insights into the HemQ enzyme of haem synthesis, a key process in MRSA's rapid growth. The discovery could lead to alternative strategies to combat resistant bacteria by targeting this pathway with new drugs.
A new study from Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute reveals that a key group of transcription factors are 'druggable,' including those involved in cancer, metabolism, and immunity. The research identifies seven bHLH-PAS proteins with pockets where drugs could fit and remain tightly bound.
Researchers developed a potent and well-tolerated BACE1 inhibitor, verubecestat, which safely reduced toxic β-amyloid levels in AD patients. The drug has shown promise in clearing amyloid plaques and is currently advancing to phase 3 trials.
Researchers pinpoint unique brain region for placebo response in pain relief, enabling targeted pain therapy and more accurate clinical trials. This finding could lead to personalized medicine for the 100 million Americans with chronic pain.
A new treatment plan combining multiple targeted drugs for CML has the potential to increase life expectancy and reduce relapse risk. Mathematical modeling predicts optimal combination schedules based on tumor mutations, offering a personalized approach to cancer treatment.
Excessive calcium influx in brain cells can cause excitotoxicity, damaging and killing neurons. Caloric restriction increases mitochondrial calcium retention, protecting against this condition. SIRT3 protein modification inhibits cyclophilin D, allowing mitochondria to retain more calcium.
Researchers trigger asymmetric autocatalytic reactions using nitrogen-15 isotope, producing chiral organic intermediates. This breakthrough uses the smallest possible chiral induction via the difference between nitrogen-14 and -15 isotopes.
A new software package called Knodle has been developed to predict the hybridization, bond orders, and functional groups' annotation in molecules. This technology enables researchers to identify potential drugs more efficiently, reducing the search area from hundreds of thousands to just a hundred
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a protein that plays a role in the aging process, offering new hope for tackling age-related decline and neurodegenerative conditions. The protein, carbonic anhydrase, was found to be more active in middle-aged brains and reduced the life span of nematode worms.
Research highlights ethosomes as a promising nanocarrier system for efficient transdermal drug delivery. The article presents various preclinical and clinical studies showcasing the enhanced absorption and bioavailability of antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory drugs, and CNS acting compounds upon loading into ethosomes.
Scientists at Northwestern University discovered a new brain pathway that can be manipulated to alleviate depression. The BMP signaling pathway plays a key role in depression and can be targeted by a new molecule called Noggin, which stimulates neurogenesis and blocks the pathway.
The University of Missouri has received a significant grant from the NIH to develop new hepatitis B treatments. Researchers will focus on targeting the viral capsid, which is crucial for HBV's lifecycle and stability. The goal is to create therapeutic strategies that not only suppress the virus but also have the potential to eradicate it.
A new screening strategy could quickly identify drugs with antiviral potential by repurposing existing medications for other conditions. The research revealed 110 human genes that could serve as antiviral targets for specific existing drugs.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have found that CML stem cells die in response to inhibition of the protein Ezh2, suggesting a potential cure for some patients. Adding Ezh2-targeting agents to standard treatment could dramatically shorten the treatment period and achieve a cure.
Researchers and editors of the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin express concerns about the clinical and cost-effectiveness of nalmefene, a drug approved to curb excess drinking. The authors argue that the limited data on its effectiveness raises questions about its continued use in the NHS.
Scientists at IRB Barcelona have rediscovered the utility of disordered regions in proteins as drug targets for various diseases. The study reveals that certain disordered proteins can be highly structured in their natural context, making them potential therapeutic targets.
Scientists at MIT and the University of São Paulo have identified the structure of an enzyme that targets parasites responsible for spreading these diseases. The distinctive structure of the class I fumarate hydratase enzyme makes it a promising target for new medical therapies.
Scientists have found genetic structures similar to other viruses in the Flaviviridae family in the Zika virus genome, which may serve as potential antiviral drug targets. The study identified seven G-quadruplexes shared with viral cousins and a unique structure consistent within the Zika virus strains.
Researchers have successfully treated an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease with mefenamic acid, a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug. The study found complete reversal of memory loss and brain inflammation in mice, paving the way for human trials.