Articles tagged with Drug Targets
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.
Researchers have identified enzymes and biochemical compounds that target the dengue virus, suggesting a potential new therapy. Medications used for high cholesterol may also inhibit the virus's replication.
The discovery of the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) structure could lead to the development of new medications targeting addiction, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and other conditions. Salvinorin A, a hallucinogenic compound from the Salvia plant, interacts with only one receptor type in the human brain.
Scientists at the University of Toronto have found a molecular mechanism that controls the transition of Candida albicans from yeast to fungus under elevated temperatures. This new pathway highlights the importance of heat in fungal growth and provides a potential target for drug therapies.
Researchers found a new potential target, alpha3beta4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, which plays a role in addictive properties of cocaine, morphine, and nicotine. AT-1001, a highly selective compound, disrupts addiction processes and reduces nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
A genetic study found that targeting the interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R) signalling pathway could be an effective way to combat heart disease. The research, led by the University of Cambridge, discovered a genetic variant that reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
Two large meta-analyses found a genetic variation in the interleukin-6 receptor associated with lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers and reduced coronary heart disease risk. A single-nucleotide polymorphism was linked to effects consistent with known benefits of IL6R blockade in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
A recent study found that the protein Mer resides in the nucleus of leukemia cells, suggesting it may influence gene expression and contribute to cancer development. This discovery opens up new avenues for targeted treatments and potentially more accurate diagnoses.
A team of researchers has found that an antidepressant called tranylcypromine (TCP) can harness the power of a vitamin A-derivative to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study reveals that inhibiting an enzyme called LSD1 with TCP can switch genes on, making cancer cells susceptible to ATRA.
A recent study has successfully flushed latent HIV infection from hiding using a drug used to treat certain types of lymphoma. The results show that targeting the biological mechanism that keeps the HIV virus hidden can be effective in providing a cure.
Scientists at UCSF have identified a protein called PRDM16 that can convert ordinary white fat cells into brown fat cells, which burn calories. This discovery makes PRDM16 a possible target for future obesity treatments.
Researchers determined the mechanism by which sulfa drugs kill bacteria, revealing a chemical reaction known as an Sn1 reaction. This discovery provides a basis for developing new antibiotics that are harder to resist and cause fewer side effects.
Vascular Magnetics, spun off from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, is developing a drug delivery system that uses magnetically targeted nanoparticles to treat peripheral artery disease. The company has raised $7 million in funding and plans to begin clinical trials in 2014.
Researchers have discovered a modified bone drug that can effectively kill the malaria parasite in infected mice, working at very low concentrations with no toxicity observed. The new compound, BPH-703, targets a key enzyme essential for the parasite's survival and immune evasion.
Four new drugs offer innovative methods of action against prostate cancer, including bone protective agents, hormone treatments and immunotherapy. These advancements could extend survival prognosis and potentially turn prostate cancer into a chronic disease.
Researchers developed new drugs targeting calcium channel in neurons to completely suppress absence seizures in rats and test them in humans. The results show a significant reduction in seizure duration as well.
Researchers discovered that CTLP acts as a key pass granting Treponema access to oral bacteria communities. Inhibiting CTLP could reduce bleeding gums and slow down periodontal disease progression. Regular tooth brushing is crucial in keeping harmful mouth bacteria at bay.
The article proposes an ethical framework to guide coverage decisions for expensive orphan drugs, considering the tension between saving lives and avoiding unfair advantages to identifiable patients. It suggests evaluating potential health gains in context and weighing opportunity costs to determine acceptable expenditure.
A new editorial aims to clarify drug and alcohol addiction terminology by defining current treatments' modes of action and targets. The authors suggest that a better understanding of these elements would aid in the development of more effective treatments, particularly for opioid and tobacco addictions.
A team of chemists from Michigan State University has discovered a way to isolate and test the P2X1 receptor in blood platelets, unlocking its potential as a new drug target for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cystic fibrosis. The research allows researchers to re-test existing medications by attaching to the receptor.
A new review article suggests that medications targeting T-cells can significantly benefit patients with psoriatic arthritis, reducing symptoms and improving joint function. Surgery may also be considered for patients with joint deformities, offering insights into outcomes and risks for those who progress to joint destruction.
Researchers have developed 'smart' injectable nanotherapeutics that can selectively deliver drugs to the cells of the pancreas, increasing therapeutic efficacy by 200-fold and reducing toxic side effects. This technology has the potential to revolutionize treatment for Type I diabetes.
Researchers from Boston College have discovered a protein called DOC2.1 that plays a pivotal role in the progression of toxoplasmosis and malaria. The team found that the function of this protein could be genetically blocked, potentially leading to the development of new drugs that target it.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered a link between inositol phosphate signalling and histone deacetylase enzymes, which play a key role in regulating gene expression. This finding has significant implications for the therapeutic intervention of certain types of cancer.
A study at UCLA has identified 56 proteins that show significant differences between people with familial Alzheimer's disease and those without it. The changes may represent an early manifestation of the loss of critical brain structures, providing potential new targets for drug interventions.
Scientists developed a new strategy to fight infectious diseases by blocking pathogen entry into cells rather than killing the bug itself. This approach targets specific elements of the infection process inside the host body and has shown promising results in treating Leishmania parasites.