Articles tagged with Drug Targets
Researchers have developed a novel way to trace mutations in HIV that lead to drug resistance. By comparing sequences of HIV from treated and untreated patients, they identified clusters of mutations that help the virus escape treatment. This breakthrough could enable doctors to tailor drug cocktails to individual patient strains.
A new drug, SPC3649, developed by Santaris Pharma, targets liver cells and showed a substantial drop in blood levels of the virus in animals, continuing to work after treatment stopped. The study also suggests that this technology could be useful for treating other diseases like HIV, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.
A study published in Science reveals that SPC3649 successfully inhibits miR-122, a microRNA important for hepatitis C viral replication, significantly reducing the virus in the bloodstream and liver of chimpanzees chronically infected with HCV. The therapy's unique mechanism of action sets it apart from direct antiviral treatments.
Researchers have discovered a novel way to target bacterial DNA gyrase, an essential enzyme for bacterial survival and growth. The new antibiotic molecule, simocyclinone D8 (SD8), uses two heads to bind to the enzyme, making it 100 times more potent than single-headed versions.
A Brandeis study directly visualizes protein structures crucial for enzyme catalysis at high-energy states, suggesting new molecular sites for potential drug targets. The research reveals the importance of protein dynamics in enzyme function, offering insights into protein function and potential avenues for targeted drug design.
Thomas Jefferson researchers have found a novel mechanism by which drugs can block HIV-1 from entering host cells, targeting the gp41 protein. The study reveals that fusion inhibitors induce irreversible deactivation of gp41, and suggests strategies to improve the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Beta-blockers targeting both alpha- and beta-receptors offer the most benefit to cardiac patients, while those targeting only beta-receptors can harm the heart's structure and function.
Thalidomide's mechanism of causing limb defects has been linked to its impact on angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels. This understanding paves the way for developing safer treatments for diseases like Leprosy, Crohn's Disease, and AIDS.
Researchers discovered a major metabolic switch in fruit flies that plays a key role in alcohol tolerance and found direct translation to humans. This discovery provides a crucial explanation of why some people tolerate alcohol better than others and offers a potential target for preventing or eliminating alcoholism.
Harris Wang won $25,000 for faster cell programming tool MAGE, while Stephen Diebold received a prize for improved pointing stick for people with quadriplegia. Other graduate and undergraduate winners were also announced for their top work.
The new centre will investigate mechanisms of pain in arthritis, develop new treatments, and target individual patients. Researchers will use a multi-disciplinary approach to gain a better understanding of how people experience pain.
Researchers at Duke University have found a new mechanism of bone formation that works without inducing bone breakdown, suggesting a targeted approach to fighting osteoporosis and other degenerative bone diseases. The discovery involves the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) pathway and beta-arrestin molecule.
Abatacept, a new biologic drug, is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis by blocking immune cell actions, reducing pain and swelling. The review of seven trials found significant improvements in patients' symptoms and joint health, with no progression of joint damage at 12-month follow-up
A new polymer has been developed that can deliver genetic cargo into cells and track its movement using luminescence and magnetic resonance imaging. This breakthrough could lead to more specific and targeted treatments for diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
A new study found that resveratrol improves diabetes by targeting the brain, potentially leading to orally-delivered medications. Activating sirtuins in the brain mediates resveratrol's beneficial effects, which could lead to more effective targeted diabetes treatments.
Researchers identified two core structures, a negative feedback loop and feed-forward loop, that enable cells to adapt to changing environments. These findings have potential applications in targeted drug development for complex diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that proteins have an intrinsic ability to change shape, allowing them to select the structure that permits the best binding. This discovery could lead to more effective treatment of diseases by designing compounds that target specific protein structures.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered that larger clusters of Amyloid β-protein are more toxic to nerve cells, but smaller clusters outnumber them and are more common. This finding provides a new target for therapeutic drug development.
New research by MIT cancer biologists shows that tumor mutations can predict chemotherapy success. Genetic profiling of tumors can help doctors tailor treatments to each patient. The study identified specific genes and their interactions to determine how well cancer cells respond to chemotherapy.
New DNA and RNA aptamers have shown promise as treatments for various diseases, including macular degeneration and cancer. Their ease of production, stability, and chemical modifications enhance their drug-like properties.
Researchers have discovered a key link between protein CCKR2 and progastrin-related colonic hyperproliferation. Deletion of the Cck2r gene in mice with human progastrin overexpression abolished colonic hyperproliferation and reduced colorectal cancer, suggesting CCKR2 as a viable target for treatment.
Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a molecule, miR-21, playing an early and important role in the development of nonsmoking lung cancer. The study found that miR-21 levels were high in both early and late-stage tumors, suggesting it happens early in cancer development.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered that infected cells produce viruses specifically at the point of contact between cells, making cell-to-cell transmission efficient and deadly. The study identified a possible weakness in this transmission chain by finding a sticky protein that docks with uninfected cells.
A novel drug Dz13 has been shown to reduce heart muscle damage after a heart attack and protect the heart's pumping action. The drug targets the c-Jun gene, which is responsible for inflammation and muscle death in the aftermath of a heart attack.
A team of researchers has identified a protein that breaks down an appetite-suppressing peptide, leading to reduced food intake in mice. Mice lacking the protein were leaner and less likely to become obese on high-fat diets.
The genomes of two parasitic flatworm species causing schistosomiasis have been sequenced, revealing potential drug targets and enzymes that can be targeted with drugs. The research may lead to new treatments for the debilitating disease.
The complete genome sequence of Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic worm causing devastating disease, has been published. Researchers have identified potential new drug targets and explored ways to treat and eradicate the disease.
Scientists have developed a novel protein stabilisation technique using nanoparticles, enabling detailed analysis of previously inaccessible membrane proteins. This breakthrough could lead to more effective drugs and open up exciting possibilities in therapeutic drug discovery.
Researchers identified an enzyme called Idol that destroys the LDL receptor, allowing more 'bad' cholesterol to circulate in the blood. By blocking Idol's activity, cells produce more receptors and absorb more cholesterol from the body.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered a new method to treat the flu by targeting two critical parts of the virus, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). This approach has shown strong binding potential to both H and N, offering hope for future flu drugs.
Researchers at USC and Rhenovia Pharma will use large-scale computer modeling to predict synergistic interactions within glutamate systems that might be targets for new drugs. The goal is to find a way to home in on specific neural cells without disturbing others, addressing malfunctions in diseases like schizophrenia.
Researchers at USC have identified a new compound that targets both tumor cells and surrounding blood vessels, potentially leading to more effective treatment options for brain tumors. The study found that the compound reduced tumor growth and blood vessel density in animal studies.
A recent study reveals that cells use a sophisticated communication system to coordinate responses to infection and maintain inflammation in the body. The team discovered that NF-kappaB, a biological machine that coordinates inflammation, uses an FM signal to communicate with surrounding cells.
New Brown University research suggests nicotine interferes with multiple cellular interactions, potentially developing new treatments for various diseases. The study identified 55 proteins interacting with the alpha-7 nicotinic receptor, which may have broader roles in the body than previously thought.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a new biological indicator, RIP1, that may help identify the most aggressive forms of adult brain cancer. High levels of RIP1 are commonly found in glioblastoma tumors and are associated with poor prognosis and resistance to chemotherapy.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have discovered an enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is essential for its survival, paving the way for new TB drugs. The study identified NAD+ synthetase as a key target for developing structure-based inhibitors to combat latent and active TB infections.
Researchers at Emory University have discovered that DNA repair enzymes can relocate to specific areas of the cell in response to oxidative stress, which is linked to various human diseases. This finding could lead to the development of anti-cancer drugs that target DNA repair mechanisms.
Researchers found that inhibiting an enzyme called 11-beta-HSD2 blocks COX-2 activity, preventing colorectal cancer growth and metastasis. Long-term inhibition did not cause side effects on the heart and blood vessels.
A study found that modafinil increases dopamine levels in the brain and blocks dopamine transporters, raising concerns about its potential for abuse. The drug's effects on dopamine may be linked to its therapeutic actions.
Dr. Sara Sawyer will use a $120,000 grant to study how HIV and its host cells have evolved together over time. By analyzing the genomes of primates, she aims to identify critical genes and proteins that could lead to new antiviral drug targets.
Researchers at LSTM and UoL aim to develop a new antimalarial drug that targets a novel enzyme in Plasmodium falciparum, potentially eliminating malaria symptoms. The project will use computational techniques and molecular modeling to design effective inhibitors.
Researchers developed a method to use genetic information to determine optimal doses of warfarin, reducing the risk of adverse effects. The study included data from 4,043 patients worldwide and found that patients on the extreme ends of the dosage range saw significant benefits.
Researchers at UGA have discovered a protein essential for Toxoplasma gondii's growth and division. The study reveals that disrupting this protein leads to the death of the parasite, providing a new working model for understanding parasitic diseases.
A study published in JAMA found that dexmedetomidine reduced delirium prevalence and improved extubation times compared to midazolam, a commonly used sedative drug. The medication also showed a lower risk of bradycardia but higher tachycardia rates.
Researchers discovered seven new genetic variants that increase the risk of psoriasis, clustering in pathways involving IL-23 and NF-kappaB. The absence of skin genes LCE3B and LCE3C also increases the risk of the disease, suggesting an inappropriate immune response.
A variant of the protein Nef has been identified as a potential target for HIV treatment, with the goal of suppressing its production to prevent AIDS progression. Researchers believe that a drug affecting Nef could provide protection against the virus and complement existing therapies.
Researchers discovered that bortezomib is effective in treating rejection episodes caused by antibodies targeting transplanted kidneys. The study found prompt rejection reversal, prolonged reductions in antibody levels, and improved organ function with suppression of recurrent rejection for at least five months.
Researchers created carbon nanotube sensors that can detect chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin, environmental toxins, and DNA-damaging agents. The sensors use DNA-coated nanotubes to identify specific molecules, allowing for precise monitoring of cancer treatment effectiveness.
Researchers at University of Leeds have identified a promising new target for hepatitis C treatment: the p7 protein. The study found that genetic variations among HCV strains affect sensitivity to certain drugs, highlighting the need for tailored combination treatments.
Researchers have discovered that simultaneous inhibition of BCR-ABL and KIT proteins is crucial for suppressing leukemia cell growth. This finding may lead to the development of novel drugs targeting multidrug resistant mutants of BCR-ABL, as well as new treatment strategies for CML stem cells.
VIB researchers found a way cells can detect nutrients via transceptors, similar to hormone signaling. This discovery offers promising possibilities for treating metabolic diseases by targeting newly discovered receptor proteins.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered how a lowly fungus regulates its version of cholesterol, gaining new insight into the target and action of cholesterol-lowering drugs. In humans, Insig limits cholesterol production by inactivating the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase through phosphorylation.
Researchers at McGill University are targeting a small organelle called glycosome to develop new treatments for Leishmania parasite. The goal is to create less toxic drugs with fewer side effects. A potential breakthrough could help combat devastating diseases like African Sleeping Sickness and Chagas' Disease.
Researchers found that cancer cells use apoptosis inhibitors to prevent programmed cell death while also controlling cell migration. This discovery challenges current treatment strategies and highlights the need for more targeted approaches.
Researchers at Brandeis University have discovered a specific set of wake-promoting neurons in fruit flies that are analogous to cells in the human sleep circuit. The study found that these neurons play a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles and that targeting them could lead to the development of more effective sleep treatments.
Researchers at UCSD have discovered a novel drug target, phosphodiesterase 7B (PDE7B), for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Blocking PDE7B increases cAMP levels and causes CLL cells to undergo programmed cell death.
Researchers have gained new insights into the regulation of calpains, enzymes involved in cellular processes and linked to disorders such as muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer's disease. The study reveals how calpastatin attaches to calpain with precise specificity, providing potential targets for drug development.
Researchers found that DFMO treatment reduced dysplasia progression in patients with Barrett's esophagus, while also lowering putrescine levels and KLF5 expression. The study suggests a potential mechanism for the chemopreventive effects of DFMO.
Researchers found that acyclovir can directly slow down HIV infection by targeting the reverse transcriptase enzyme. However, this effect also leads to the emergence of resistant HIV variants, such as the V75I strain, which could compromise current treatments.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have identified the orbitofrontal cortex as a promising target for developing new antipsychotic drugs to treat schizophrenia. The study found that this brain region responds to both dopamine and glutamate, neurotransmitters linked to schizophrenia.