Research on the molecular targets that drugs act on. Covers new antibiotic mechanisms, drug discovery competitions, bile-acid pathways, and Alzheimer's targets.
Researchers found that TB bacteria alter their metabolism to evade antimicrobials, but new drugs targeting these 'escape pathways' could lead to shorter treatments. This approach aims to improve compliance and reduce the emergence of drug-resistant germs.
Studies show a prevalence rate of 50-82% among hospitalized patients in Egypt's largest cities, while community-acquired MRSA rates range from 19-47%. Molecular characterization reveals various SCCmec types, highlighting the need for national surveillance and awareness.
Diabetes-induced changes in heartbeat are primarily regulated by the β1-adrenoceptor, suggesting that targeting this receptor could improve treatment outcomes for diabetics. The study provides novel insight into the pathological basis of heart rate dysregulation in type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at OIST created self-assembling molecules that can be rearranged by ultraviolet light to form novel macroscopic structures. This breakthrough enables the creation of exotic nanostructures with tailored functions, holding potential for biological and pharmaceutical applications.
A proof-of-principle study found that imatinib improved airway hyperresponsiveness and decreased mast cell presence in patients with severe asthma. Treatment also showed a small improvement in airway function.
Scientists identified a key gene, MDR1, governing toxin removal in the gut, which is linked to bowel disorders like Crohn's disease. Targeting vital cell parts with drugs can reverse damage and improve outcomes.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that a diverse gut microbiome can predict treatment response for IBD patients. The study suggests that early changes in the microbial population can identify patients likely to achieve and maintain remission.
A team of researchers at Osaka University used advanced technology to investigate the interaction between anti-TNF drugs and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). They found that the size and shape of the TNF-drug complexes differ among three tested drugs, with implications for predicting therapeutic effects and optimizing drug design.
A new study from Bentley University found that most new drugs approved by the FDA since 2010 arose from basic scientific research initiated in the 1970s or 1980s. The development of targeted and biological therapeutics depends on achieving a certain level of maturation in basic science.
University of New Mexico researchers have discovered a method to optimize network processes, reducing energy consumption and effort required to achieve desired results. By focusing on key elements rather than monitoring all elements, the effort can be reduced dramatically, leading to significant cost savings and improved performance.
An international team of scientists has determined the 3-D atomic structure of over 1,000 proteins that are potential drug and vaccine targets. The experimentally determined structures have been deposited into the World-Wide Protein Data Bank, freely available to the scientific community.
A new algorithm, CYCLOPS, can detect and characterize molecular rhythms in human cells. The tool has the potential to improve dosing for many existing medications by identifying optimal times for administration.
Researchers found that combination therapy is only beneficial for high-risk patients with CPE, while low-risk patients can be treated with a single active antimicrobial. This approach reduces adverse side effects and the risk of drug resistance.
Rutgers scientists determine the structure of tuberculosis drug target Mtb RNA polymerase and discover a new class of compounds, Na-aroyl-N-aryl-phenylalanamides (AAPs), that potently inhibit it. The findings reveal potential for developing improved anti-tuberculosis drugs.
Researchers have developed a way to deliver drugs to specific types of neurons in the brain, allowing for more precise study and treatment of neurological diseases. The new method, DART, reveals how movement difficulties in Parkinson's Disease are controlled by the AMPA receptor, offering a new approach to treating the disease.
Researchers have developed a new technique that allows for precise mapping of cellular signaling networks involved in human biology and disease. This breakthrough opens up exciting avenues for understanding and treating psychiatric diseases, including opioid addiction.
Researchers have discovered new structural details of the angiotensin II receptor AT2R using X-ray free electron laser technology. The findings could speed the development of new compounds addressing cardiovascular conditions, neuropathic pain and tissue growth.
Researchers discovered new structural details of an angiotensin II receptor called AT2, which could be a target for new medicines. The information uncovered could give drug developers a new path for compounds that combat pain and inflammation or promote tissue regeneration.
Scientists discovered that nerve cells in ganglia can exchange information and modify sensory input to the central nervous system. This finding has potential implications for developing non-addictive painkillers targeting the peripheral nervous system.
KinderMiner, a Morgridge Institute for Research team's algorithm, scans Europe PubMed Central and provides ranked associations for select target terms and key phrases. The tool identifies relevant transcription factors in top 20 hits, significantly speeding up scientific process.
Scientists have identified two parasite proteins that allow Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites to quickly traverse human cells and infect liver cells. This discovery could lead to the development of new antimalarial treatments and vaccines to combat the disease.
Researchers developed a comprehensive mathematical model of the deadliest malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum metabolism. The model accurately integrates genetics and metabolism data, predicting which genes are indispensable for every biological function in the parasite.
A new mathematical model of Plasmodium falciparum's metabolism reveals its essential genes and thermodynamic bottlenecks, enabling potential mechanisms to target with drugs. The model integrates genetics and metabolomics data, allowing for the formulation of testable hypotheses and accelerating novel antimalarial drug discovery.
Scientists have developed a shorter treatment regimen using rifampicin to target Wolbachia, reducing treatment times for lymphatic filariasis (LF) and onchocerciasis (Oncho) to just 1-2 weeks. This regimen is safe for pregnant women and children, offering a more effective and accessible solution to these debilitating diseases.
The DrugAge database, the largest such database in the world, has been announced by scientists from the Biogerontology Research Foundation and University of Liverpool. The database contains 418 compounds targeting various age-related pathways, revealing that most have yet to be targeted pharmacologically.
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.