Articles tagged with Drug Targets
A new clinical study found that erlotinib significantly improved treatment outcomes for women with locally advanced cervical cancer. After two years, 91.7% of patients were alive and experienced no disease progression.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute and Vanderbilt University have created the most detailed 3-D picture yet of a membrane protein linked to learning, memory, anxiety, pain and brain disorders. The study focused on the mGlu1 receptor, which helps regulate neurotransmitter glutamate.
A new study suggests that male hormones, such as testosterone, play an important role in female fertility and may enhance IVF success rates. The research found that male hormones promote follicle development by preventing cell death and increasing sensitivity to follicle-stimulating hormone.
Researchers have identified specific behavior of PP1 by analyzing binding motifs with regulatory proteins. This discovery allows them to predict interactions with a significant number of proteins without resolving their structure.
A large international study has found 11 new genetic signals linked to blood pressure levels, with 10 of those signals being 'druggable' targets. The discovery offers the possibility of expedited pharmaceutical development of therapeutics for high blood pressure, a serious risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers at Clemson University have developed sticky nanoparticles that can deliver drugs targeting damaged arteries, providing a new method to fight heart disease. The nanoparticles, coated with a sticky protein, latch onto damaged arteries and release drugs in slow fashion, reducing the need for surgical interventions.
The cumulative success rate for new agents in advanced NSCLC is lower than industry estimates, but biomarker- and receptor-targeted therapies substantially increase success rates. Biomarker-targeted therapy shows a 62% cumulative success rate, nearly six times higher than non-biomarker targeted trials.
The 'Viewpoint' article highlights the complexity of developing genome-based therapeutics and companion diagnostics, which depend on multiple genetic tests. The authors argue for a unified plan to co-develop and co-submit diagnostic tests that predict drug benefit, addressing regulatory, business, and economic challenges.
Researchers identified four proteins involved in hantavirus entry into human host cells, all part of a protein complex regulating cholesterol production. Statins, commonly used to lower cholesterol, also showed promise in preventing viral infection.
Researchers have developed electronically controlled drugs that can minimize side effects by releasing medication in response to specific cues. These tailored approaches could be useful in treating conditions such as epilepsy, where medication could be released at the onset of a seizure.
Researchers have determined the complex structure of a key cell membrane protein involved in sterol metabolism and resistance in a yeast model. The study's findings provide new insights into mechanisms underlying fungal resistance to triazole drugs, which can help develop new broad-spectrum drugs with minimal side effects.
Scientists at UC Berkeley and NIH have captured a high-resolution snapshot of the Nef protein, which hijacks host proteins to facilitate HIV's lethality. By blocking a promising target on host protein AP2, researchers aim to slow or stop HIV.
Scientists have discovered a crucial step in how the body regulates 'free' calcium ions, which play a vital role in maintaining cellular functions. This finding has significant implications for developing new treatments for various neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute describe two new drug scaffolds that target the kappa opioid receptor, offering novel tools for treating pain, addiction, and other disorders. The compounds, called biased agonists, activate the receptor without recruiting beta arrestin, a molecule associated with depression.
Scientists have identified a mutated gene causing papillary craniopharyngiomas, a type of benign but devastating brain tumor. A targeted therapy approach using BRAF inhibitors may improve treatment outcomes, with plans for clinical trials underway.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine and The Scripps Research Institute found a way to modulate specific pathways in opioid receptors, allowing for more precise targeting of brain diseases. This breakthrough could lead to better treatment options for chronic pain, Parkinson's disease, and depression with fewer side effects.
Researchers used X-ray laser to map the 3D structure of a key cellular gatekeeper, the human serotonin receptor. The breakthrough technique uses smaller crystals and produces high-resolution images, potentially condensing years-long studies into days.
Scientists at Emory and Georgia Tech have developed a potential treatment for atherosclerosis by targeting a micro RNA molecule that regulates inflammation in blood vessels. In animal models, a drug blocking the micro RNA can halt artery blockages despite high-fat diets.
Researchers from UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that glioblastoma cells can temporarily eliminate gene mutations when exposed to cancer drugs, becoming drug-resistant. After the drug is removed, the tumor cells reacquire the mutation, repeating this cycle and making treatment more challenging.
A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of antisense drugs in targeting a wide range of tissues and organs, including liver, kidney, lung, muscle, and peripheral nerves. The findings suggest that antisense therapeutics have broad therapeutic potential for various disease indications.
Scientists have identified a key metabolic enzyme used by Plasmodium species at each stage of infection, paving the way for more effective drugs and potentially eradicating malaria. The discovery could lead to radical cures and prevent infections, blocking transmission back to mosquitoes.
A new study by Columbia University researchers has found a single overactive enzyme that worsens both impaired insulin sensitivity and overproduction of glucose in obese individuals, suggesting a potential target for treating type 2 diabetes. The enzyme MK2 can be inhibited with metformin, leading to additive benefits when combined.
A targeted effort to improve adherence to drug regimens in high-risk heart failure patients showed promise but had limited impact on reducing hospital readmission rates. Patients who received coaching from nurses were four times more likely to adhere to their medication regimens, but readmissions remained unchanged.
Medical researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a potential drug target for a rare genetic disease, paving the way for an alternative treatment. The discovery links specific defects in the enzyme to specific symptoms and could lead to the development of drugs to treat less severe forms of the disease.
A WSU-led study finds that modifying a drug to target specific human proteins could lead to new treatments for cancers and immune-related diseases. Researchers discovered that simple modifications to the drug furamidine have a major impact on its ability to affect genes.
Researchers at University College London have developed a new method for building membrane-crossing pores using Lego-like DNA building blocks. This approach provides a simple and low-cost tool for synthetic biology and has potential applications in diagnostic devices and drug discovery. The technique uses two large anchors to embed the...
Researchers found that tumors may switch dependence from VEGF-A to related growth factors like VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and placental growth factor when targeted by bevacizumab. This change allows colorectal cancer to continue growing despite the blockage of VEGF-A.
Researchers at Linköping University have identified six proteins in spinal fluid that can be used as markers for the illness, offering a potential step towards early diagnosis. The study found that these proteins are associated with the breakdown of brain cells and toxic accumulations of beta amyloid protein.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that chronic itching incorporates more neurons than normal itch signals and co-opts pain neurons to intensify the sensation. This discovery may lead to more effective treatments targeting activity in both pain and itch neurons.
Researchers created a massive online database that matches thousands of genes linked to cancer and other diseases with drugs that target those genes. The database includes over 14,000 drug-gene interactions and is publicly available for research purposes.
A massive DNA study has uncovered 157 genetic changes that alter cholesterol and blood fat levels, potentially leading to new medications. Triglycerides play a larger role in heart disease risk than previously thought, and the research provides strong foundation for further investigation.
Researchers at Rutgers University have identified chemical agents that block the ability of flu viruses to replicate in cells. The compounds show promise for a new class of antiviral medicines to fight pandemic influenza outbreaks, such as H5N1 and H7N9.
IU researchers and collaborators found two new targets, Rac GTPase and Pak, that can be inhibited to kill leukemia cells. The study aims to improve treatment options for patients with mast cell leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.
Stem cells can be engineered as targeted drug factories to deliver anti-inflammatory molecules to sites of inflammation, reducing swelling. The approach uses modified messenger RNA to stimulate cell production and secretion, overcoming previous limitations such as rapid clearance.
Researchers found that activating serotonin 5-HT2A receptors potently blocks TNF-alpha induced inflammation, offering a potential breakthrough in treating inflammatory diseases. The findings have the potential to lead to new oral medications for atherosclerosis and IBS.
A study published in Cancer Cell identified a previously unknown vulnerability in triple-negative breast cancers, which can be effectively treated with an FDA-approved drug. The researcher found that targeting the cystine transporter xCT significantly inhibited tumor growth in mice and cell culture.
A $5.9 million Department of Defense grant enables the development of drugs that target androgen receptors as a driver of breast cancer. The treatment shows promising results in preclinical work and may offer new options for patients with previously limited therapy.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered that an essential protein evolved chiefly by changing its movement, rather than structure. This finding has implications for designing more effective antibiotics and drugs targeting the protein dihydrofolate reductase.
Researchers found that essential proteins evolve chiefly by changing how they move, rather than their molecular structure. This discovery has significant implications for the design of antibiotics and other drugs targeting dihydrofolate reductase.
Researchers found that tempol, an anti-oxidant drug, reduces weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet. The drug targets the gut microbiome, specifically reducing Lactobacillus levels and increasing tauro-beta-muricholic acid, which inhibits FXR and regulates metabolism.
Researchers found that a class of proteins affecting visual system development also appears to affect vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease in the aging brain. The proteins, such as LilrB2 and PirB, physically partner with beta-amyloid, triggering a harmful chain reaction in brain cells.
Scientists at EMBL and Regensburg University identify DGKi as a potential drug target for cystic fibrosis, which regulates ENaC activity and reduces mucus thickness in patients' airways. The discovery uses large-scale screening to uncover genes not previously linked to the disease.
Scientists at the University of Notre Dame have identified a protein called SIK1 that can help regulate the body's internal clock. By blocking its activity, researchers found that mice adjusted faster to changes in their environment, suggesting that SIK1 could be a target for treating jet lag and shift work disorders.
Researchers have identified a potential new angle for drug development in preventing thrombosis, a dangerous blood clot that can lead to stroke and heart attack. The study uncovered a key platelet protein that could be exploited to develop drugs that keep platelets from forming pathological clots.
Researchers identified a mechanism that limits the body clock's ability to adjust to changes in light patterns, slowing down recovery from jet-lag. Blocking this gene in mice allowed them to recover faster.
Researchers have identified five enzymes essential to the survival of a parasitic worm infecting livestock worldwide, including two already studied as potential drug targets against other pathogens. The genome of Haemonchus contortus provides valuable insights into how treatments work and reveals new drug and vaccine targets.
The study showed that the Ebola VP40 protein exists as a dimer and rearranges its structure to assemble filaments for the virus shell or bind RNA, controlling various steps of the life cycle with multiple functions.
Vinculin plays a critical role in enabling cell movement by interacting with the actin cytoskeleton. Disrupting this interaction can lead to chaotic cell movement, impacting organ development and cancer progression.
A targeted cancer drug has shown dramatic responses in patients with specific gene mutations, raising questions about the need for expensive Phase III trials. The author argues that a lower bar for approval could streamline the process and bring effective treatments to patients sooner.
Researchers found that full activation of a crucial brain-signaling molecule requires coordinated motion of its segments. The study may reveal additional drug-binding sites on the receptor, aiding the development of drugs for conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have discovered that two receptors of leukotriene B4 play opposing roles in inflammation, with BLT1 promoting and BLT2 weakening inflammation during an allergic reaction. This finding suggests new approaches to developing anti-asthma and anti-COPD drugs.
A laboratory study shows that a nanotechnology drug called SapC-DOPS crosses the blood-brain barrier and targets brain-tumor cells, retarding growth of tumor blood vessels. The agent also sensitizes hypoxic cells to killing, supporting further development as a novel treatment for glioblastoma.
Researchers developed statistical models to predict which drug is best for a specific individual with a specific disease, considering pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and genetic factors. The framework will help doctors and pharmacists simulate variables like protein-protein interactions and predict treatment effectiveness.
A study led by the University of Exeter found that 27% of over-70s with type 2 diabetes achieved better glycaemic control through individualized care alone. Researchers introduced a 'one-size-fits-all' approach for older patients, which proved ineffective due to multiple complications.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that septins play a crucial role in activating the calcium channel on T cell surfaces, allowing them to fight disease. This discovery provides new insights into the intricate pathways involved in turning on T cells and could lead to the development of more targeted drugs.
Researchers have discovered a crucial signaling network between EGFR and MCM7 proteins, which plays a key role in DNA replication and cell growth. In breast cancer patients, high expression of Lyn and MCM7 is associated with reduced survival rates, highlighting a potential new target for cancer therapy.
Researchers used nanosensors and advanced imaging techniques to track the spread of pancreatic tumors and monitor the effectiveness of drugs. The study reveals promising results for combination therapies that can enhance drug delivery and improve clinical outcomes.
The new ProteomicsDB contains over 11,000 datasets from human cancer cell lines and tissues, enabling real-time analysis of large data sets. The database provides instant value for researchers to test analytical hypotheses and develop new drugs with reduced side effects.
A protein complex called Mediator, specifically enzyme CDK8, plays a crucial role in tumor cell survival under hypoxic conditions. Inhibiting CDK8 could provide a potential target for cancer-fighting drugs, particularly those targeting HIF1A transcription factor.
A Singapore research team has identified a protein enzyme, MNK kinase, as a key player in the progression of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) to its deadly terminal stage. The researchers found that targeting this enzyme could help prevent cancer stem cells from developing drug resistance and improve patient survival.