Research on the molecular targets that drugs act on. Covers new antibiotic mechanisms, drug discovery competitions, bile-acid pathways, and Alzheimer's targets.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified 14 new genes linked to rheumatoid arthritis, shedding light on why the condition disproportionately affects women. The study's findings could lead to personalized treatment approaches and improved disease management.
Researchers found that local ablative therapy and continuation of targeted drugs can prolong disease control by up to 6.2 months in patients with EGFR mutations or ALK rearrangements. The study's findings suggest a new approach to treating NSCLC after progression, particularly for patients with oligoprogressive disease.
The UK BiLEVE study aims to discover the genes affecting lung function and susceptibility to COPD. Researchers will analyze data from 50,000 UK Biobank participants to identify genetic variants associated with COPD, shedding light on why some people are more prone to lung disease.
A new study published in CNS Drugs found that a single dose of etanercept can rapidly improve chronic neurological dysfunction caused by stroke or traumatic brain injury, even years after the event. The observational study involved 629 patients and documented positive effects on motor impairment, spasticity, cognition, and more.
Researchers at CU-Boulder have discovered a novel target for anti-cancer drug development by targeting the telomerase enzyme at the ends of chromosomes. This approach may provide an effective solution to the complex problem of cancerous cells. By blocking the telomerase enzyme, the growth of cancerous cells can be prevented.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new drug called Minnelide to target and destroy tumor cells in pancreatic cancer. The drug works by inhibiting heat shock protein HSP 70, which aids tumor cell growth, effectively disintegrating the cancer.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered new components of the DNA damage response network, including proteins that could be targeted as sensitizers for chemotherapy. The study's findings may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies and accelerated treatment for cancer.
A large international study has identified 21 new gene variants associated with risks of heart disease and metabolic disorders. The findings expand the list of potential targets for drugs and other treatments for lipid-related cardiovascular disease, a leading global cause of death and disability.
A $20 million gift from Andrew and Barbara Taylor has established the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research at Washington University. The institute aims to develop new therapies for psychiatric disorders, which currently have major limitations in effectiveness and potential side effects.
Researchers have discovered smallest and fastest-known RNA switches, which could provide new targets for drug development. The newly found excited states of RNA molecules offer potential for disrupting HIV replication and interfering with protein assembly in bacterial ribosomes.
Researchers discovered that combining conventional antifungal medications with natural plant compounds, such as thymol, can inhibit the growth of fungi at lower doses. This could lead to more effective treatments for fungal infections, potentially even reducing economic losses from contaminated crops.
Researchers found Botox injections to be equally effective to oral medication in treating urinary urgency incontinence, with a higher proportion of complete resolution. The study also showed improved quality of life without significant differences.
Researchers at Wake Forest University have designed a targeted therapy that delivers a sneak attack on breast cancer cells, similar to a Trojan horse. The new platinum-based molecule has shown promising results in treating non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, with potential applications for breast cancer treatment.
Indiana University chemists have developed a new synthesis of artemisinin, allowing for the production of fully synthetic artemisinin on a gram scale. This breakthrough could help reduce the cost of the life-saving antimalarial drug and increase its availability worldwide.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet developed a new technique using under-twisted DNA origami to deliver cancer drugs, such as doxorubicin, directly to tumor cells while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue. This approach allows for slower release of the drug, enabling more effective treatment at lower concentrations.
A Penn team led by Joshua Hawk identified nuclear receptors as key molecules in converting short-term memories into long-term ones. The study found that blocking the activity of these receptors impaired contextual memory, while leaving amygdala-associated memories intact.
A nationwide consortium of scientists has reported a comprehensive genetic analysis of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, revealing almost 75% of patients' cancers have targetable mutations. The research provides insight into the molecular biology of lung squamous cell carcinoma and identifies potential targets for therapies.
The US Department of Homeland Security has created a surrogate semi-submersible called PLUTO to test detection systems for maritime security. The vessel is designed to mimic the features of illegal narco subs used by South American drug cartels, allowing operators to test and improve their sensors in real-world conditions.
Scientists at NIEHS discover a way to turn off P-glycoprotein, a major gatekeeper preventing medicinal drugs from reaching the brain, allowing small therapeutic agents to cross the blood-brain barrier. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for central nervous system diseases such as brain and spinal cord injury, brain cancer, ...
A preclinical study found that a mTOR inhibitor can protect normal stem cells from radiation-induced damage, preventing debilitating conditions like mucositis. The study suggests a promising approach for preventing and treating cancer patients' quality-of-life issues with radiation therapy.
Researchers found that a medication inhibiting inflammation showed promise in treating major depression, especially in individuals with high levels of inflammation. The study employed infliximab, an antibody blocking tumor necrosis factor, and demonstrated improved symptoms in subjects with elevated C-reactive protein levels.
Researchers at University of Missouri have developed a new cancer drug with exceptional potency, outperforming current treatments by 10 times. The carborane-based drug efficiently targets energy production in cancer cells, minimizing side effects and increasing therapy effectiveness.
Researchers at URMC have identified a new genetic signature for leukemia that can be used to target rogue cells. They found approximately 70 genes associated with the growth and survival of leukemia cells, opening up new avenues for drug discovery.
Scientists are exploring ways to target cancer cells by attacking defective genes before protein production, leveraging micro RNAs (miRNAs) and their interactions with messenger RNAs. miR-7 and miR-128 affected pathways related to cell adhesion, EMT, and cellular replication in ovarian cancer cells.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have identified a protein group, known as the Rab family, that regulates protein distribution and is involved in triggering allergic reactions. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted drugs that prevent allergic reactions before they start.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a universal enzyme essential for influenza virus replication, paving the way for the development of new antiviral drugs that can effectively treat and prevent drug-resistant strains. The discovery may lead to the creation of drugs that not only target influenza but als...
An anti-tau treatment called epithilone D (EpoD) has shown promise in preventing and intervening the progress of Alzheimer's disease in animal models by improving neuron function and cognition. The drug aims to stabilize microtubules, which support the transport of essential nutrients and information between cells.
Scientists are developing new medicines to target both human and non-human cells in the body, based on a paradigm shift in understanding the human body as a complex ecosystem. This approach, called functional metagenomics, has the potential to treat diseases with substances that affect non-human cells.
Researchers developed a biomimetic strategy delivering clot-busting nanotherapeutics directly to obstructed blood vessels, dissolving blood clots while minimizing bleeding side effects. The approach has significant implications for treating major causes of death such as heart attack and stroke.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania develop new approach to making vesicles and fine-tuning their shapes using genetic engineering. They successfully assemble oleosin into vesicles, which offer significant advantages for oral-drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and ability to carry large payloads.
Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have identified the enzyme YfcM as a key player in bacterial pathogenicity modification. The discovery of YfcM, which displays hydroxylase activity and lacks sequence similarity to known proteins, has significant implications for the development of new antibiotics.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital have created a new drug to target osteosarcoma, the most common bone tumor in children, using a modified version of Celebrex. The drug, 8A, selectively inhibits the STAT3 pathway, which is crucial for tumor formation and cancer progression.
A team of researchers has developed a 'time bomb' nanocontainer that releases vasodilator content exclusively to diseased areas, increasing treatment efficacy and reducing side effects. This technology exploits the physical phenomenon of shear stress in stenosed arteries to deliver targeted therapy.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have identified a brain receptor called Gpr17 that appears to play a central role in regulating appetite. Blocking the action of this protein, which is also found in humans, could lead to new drugs for preventing or treating obesity.
Researchers developed a multi-target approach to treat tumors using fruit flies, creating an investigational compound AD80 that targets multiple cancer genes. Tested in mouse models, AD80 proved far more effective and less toxic than standard cancer drugs.
Researchers at two structural genomics centers determined 1,000 protein structures from infectious disease organisms, providing crucial insights into the deadliest diseases. The knowledge gained will aid in developing new interventions and therapeutic agents for drug-resistant strains of TB, MRSA, and other pathogens.
The study found that two tumor suppressor genes, KLF6 and FOXO1, can disrupt overactive EGFR signaling. By targeting the FOXO1/KLF6 axis, researchers were able to restore effectiveness of anti-EGFR drugs like erlotinib and reduce tumor growth.
Scientists have identified a highly conserved 'switch' in the Hepatitis C virus that can be targeted by custom-designed drugs to lock it into an inactive state. This discovery offers a promising approach to treating the virus, which affects over 170 million people worldwide.
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute solved the first structure of a Wnt protein, offering insights into its function and therapeutic potential. The breakthrough provides a new era for understanding the role of Wnt proteins in biology and disease, including their potential as cancer therapies.
The British Association for Psychopharmacology has released updated guidelines for treating substance abuse and addiction, focusing on pharmacological management. The new guidelines provide a comprehensive review of evidence-based practices for practitioners to optimize clinical decisions.
Diabetes-related neuropathy affects 1 in 50 people, causing numbness, tingling, and pain, with costs estimated at $4.6-13.7 billion annually in the USA. A new review suggests various metabolic risk factors, including prediabetes, may be linked to neuropathy, offering potential targets for disease-modifying drugs.
Scientists at NYU School of Medicine identified a pathway that, if deactivated, may help slow the development of multiple myeloma. By targeting this pathway's cellular transcription process, researchers hope to find an effective treatment for the disease.
Pazopanib nearly tripled progression-free survival in patients with metastatic soft-tissue sarcoma whose disease has progressed following standard chemotherapy. The median follow-up was 15 months, and common side effects included fatigue, diarrhoea, and hypertension.
A new study describes a compound that selectively kills cancer cells by restoring the structure and function of mutant p53. This finding supports the development of rationally targeted cancer therapies and has potential for treating 30,000 patients annually in the US.
Researchers are conducting two clinical trials to test the effectiveness of vitamin D and Imatinib in reducing asthma symptoms. Participants with mild to moderate asthma will receive vitamin D, while those with hard-to-control asthma will receive Imatinib.
Children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) who do not respond to standard treatments may not benefit from rituximab, according to a recent study. The drug, which targets the immune system, was found to be ineffective in reducing protein excretion in urine after three months of treatment.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a flavonoid compound called rutin as a potential therapeutic agent to prevent the formation of blood clots. Rutin was shown to inhibit thrombosis in an animal model, offering a novel strategy for preventing stroke and heart attack.
Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive chronic disease causing vision loss worldwide. New treatments like Lucentis and Avastin have transformed management of the condition.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine confirms that COX-2 inhibitors, such as Vioxx and Celebrex, increase cardiovascular risk by disrupting prostacyclin production. This disruption leads to hardening of the arteries and amplifies the effects of COX-2 inhibition on the cardiovascular system.
Research identifies enzyme essential for M. globosa's growth, making it a prime target for developing better anti-dandruff medicines. Sulfonamides show greater effectiveness than ketoconazole in preventing the fungus's growth.
Researchers from IMIM and UPF identified 115 proteins in silico that could be highly relevant to treat colon-rectal cancer, enabling the design of new generation anti-cancer drugs. The study uses a computational method to predict proteins that interact with molecules showing differential cytotoxicity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new medication, perampanel, that selectively targets proteins in the brain to control excitability and significantly reduce seizure frequency. The study, involving over 700 participants, found that roughly one-third of patients experienced a more than 50% reduction in seizures.
Researchers found that sertraline, a common antidepressant, accumulates in yeast cells and triggers membrane curvature, suggesting a potential alternative mechanism for depression treatment. The study supports the idea that depression is linked to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) secretions, not just serotonin.
New research reveals that a common genetic variation in claudin-14 increases the risk of kidney stones. The study found that alterations in the gene's activity influence stone development when calcium or salt intake is high, leading to an increase in urine calcium levels.
A large-scale study shows that introducing sophisticated biologic therapies early in treatment improves response to medication and reduces the need for surgery. Patients treated with biologic therapies earlier were significantly less likely to need steroids and required fewer surgeries related to their Crohn's disease.
Researchers have discovered that activating mutations in the FLT3 gene play a crucial role in acute myeloid leukemia, making it an attractive target for new treatments. The study identifies drug-resistant mutations in FLT3 and suggests that therapies involving combinations of multiple drugs could suppress these mutated forms.
Researchers at Salk Institute find that two cellular switches play a crucial role in maintaining normal sleeping and eating cycles and metabolism. The discovery suggests a powerful link between circadian rhythms and metabolism, potentially leading to new treatments for disorders such as sleep problems, obesity, and diabetes.
Researchers have successfully tested the first targeted cancer drug called BIND-014, demonstrating its ability to target receptors in tumors and achieve high tumor concentrations. The study shows remarkable efficacy, safety, and pharmacological properties compared to traditional chemotherapy.
BIND-014, a novel Accurin nanoparticle, demonstrates high drug concentration in tumors and promising clinical effects in advanced or metastatic cancers. Preclinical data show up to ten-fold increase in intratumoral drug concentrations with prolonged tumor growth suppression.
Researchers at Penn have identified a critical role of Nmnat in maintaining healthy nerves and protecting against degeneration. The enzyme helps stabilize mitochondria, which are essential for nerve cell health.