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 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.
A recent study published in Cancer Cell reveals a potential therapeutic approach for MLL-AF4 leukemias, a subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia that accounts for 70% of infant cases. By inhibiting the histone-modifying enzyme DOT1L, researchers hope to reverse cancer-promoting genes and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have successfully tested a genetic strategy to treat human infections caused by Candida albicans. Inhibiting a key protein could provide a new drug target against the yeast, which inhabits mucous membranes of most humans.
Researchers identified AHI-1 protein that protects leukemia stem cells from imatinib, a current treatment for CML. Blocking AHI-1 restores imatinib's ability to kill leukemia cells, paving the way for combination therapy.
Researchers are developing methods to model pathways, interpret data, and derive therapeutic targets from biological networks. Biological systems are governed by vast networks of interacting molecules, and scientists are investigating signaling pathways for receptor tyrosine kinases.
Scientists at Leiden University have discovered that receptor models commonly used in drug design may not be accurate, leading to a better understanding of how drugs work. The adenosine A2A receptor's crystal structure has been cracked, revealing a small molecule called ZM241385 with high affinity for the receptor.
A study found that GSK-3-beta is crucial for normal mouse embryonic heart development. Mice lacking this protein died prematurely due to cardiac defects and liver degeneration. The findings suggest caution when considering new GSK-3 inhibitors in women of childbearing age.
Researchers found that beta-catenin plays a crucial role in solidifying fear memories in the brains of adult animals. The protein acts like a Velcro strap, fastening cells' internal skeletons to proteins on their external membranes.
A team from the University of Leicester has made a significant discovery in the study of diabetes drug target PPAR gamma. The researchers found that the protein binds to eight different fatty acids, which leads to its long-term activation, opening up new possibilities for the development of novel pharmaceuticals.
Researchers discovered specific mutations in the JAK2 gene associated with Down's syndrome-associated acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which could lead to new treatment options. Children with this type of leukemia are younger at diagnosis and have a better prognosis when treated with JAK2 inhibitors.
Researchers aim to harness the power of endothelin-1 to constrict blood vessels, but complex receptor interactions hinder progress. Dr. Adviye Ergul suggests that poorly understood relationships in normal and disease states may be behind failed clinical trials.
A study by the European Society for Medical Oncology found substantial variation in the uptake of newer cancer drugs across EU countries. The cost of these drugs is a major barrier to access, and their complexity can make them harder to understand and use effectively.
A new study highlights the need to develop systems to assess antimalarial drug safety in early pregnancy, as artemisinins have been shown to be toxic to embryos in animal models. An international antimalarial pregnancy exposure registry is proposed to enable targeted pharmacovigilance and timely assessment of risk-benefit profiles.
Researchers identified genes that show statistical association with specific anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and social phobias. The study found that environmental factors can trigger an anxiety disorder more easily in people with a genetic predisposition.
Duke University researchers found that antipsychotic drugs may not work as previously assumed, and that the biochemical pathways linked to the D2 receptor may function differently than expected. The study suggests that targeting the beta-arrestin pathway could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.
A new guideline developed by the American Academy of Neurology recommends surgery as a treatment option for people with extreme face pain due to trigeminal neuralgia. The guideline suggests that patients who don't respond well to drugs should consider surgical interventions to target the root of the trigeminal nerve.
Researchers found Rheb overexpression is sufficient to induce low-grade prostate neoplasias and contributes to lymphoma formation. Targeted inhibition of Rheb shows promise in counteracting tumor progression in both cancers.
Researchers have identified eight new proteins that transport the Plasmodium falciparum parasite's 'glue' to the surface of infected red blood cells. Removing one of these proteins prevents infected red blood cells from sticking to blood vessel walls, suggesting a potential target for new anti-malarial treatments.
Scientists have identified over 100 host cell genes that the influenza virus depends on for infection, offering hope for developing new antiviral drugs. The study used fruit fly cells and RNA interference to screen for these targets, which could potentially be used to prevent viral replication and resistance.
Researchers are developing new treatments targeting Crohn's disease by blocking autoimmune responses and strengthening the intestinal lining. The goal is to provide more effective options for patients who have lost response to current treatments.
A new treatment combining immunosuppressant drugs targeting different immune system parts improves remission rates and reduces side effects for patients with severe lupus nephritis. The therapy shows superior results compared to traditional treatments, achieving complete remission in 65% of patients within nine months.
Researchers discovered that calpain inhibitors restore normal signaling between nerve cells, improving memory in APP/PS1 mice. Calpain inhibition may slow down or stop Alzheimer's disease progression by addressing impaired cognition.
A new compound design approach may be enabled by the discovery of an enzyme that can manipulate chemical pathways in bacteria. The enzyme is found to have loose specificity, allowing it to be used to create more controllable compounds from antibiotic chromoproteins. Genetic engineering will play a key role in this process.
A new compound has been developed that targets the flap recognition pocket of the HIV-1 protease, inhibiting its activity. This mechanism is distinct from current protease inhibitors and holds promise for a new class of AIDS drugs with better drug-like properties.
The new vaptan drug class has shown promising results in treating conditions such as painful periods, brain hemorrhage, and psychotic disorders. The drugs target the vasopressin hormone system, inducing water loss without mineral salt loss, to treat various health issues.
The US FDA has seen an 800% increase in new counterfeit cases between 2000 and 2006. Antimalarials are a particular target for counterfeiters, flooding the market in many Asian countries. Collaborative approaches involving governments, industries, and international organizations can help combat counterfeiting.
Researchers have elucidated the mechanism of iron uptake system in M. tuberculosis, a promising target for intervention. The study reveals an exporter-importer system that exports siderophores and imports iron-bound forms, providing a crucial foothold to tame this deadly pathogen.
Researchers have developed a fast method to detect fake Tamiflu using Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (DESI-MS), which can analyze samples in under one minute. This new approach is crucial in the fight against counterfeit drugs, with potential applications for large-scale screening during pandemics.
A new mathematical model could revolutionize how scientists study cellular signaling pathways, potentially leading to more effective treatments for cancer and other diseases. The model takes advantage of today's computing power to provide a superior tool for understanding the complex interactions between cell signals.
Researchers at IUPUI have created the first 3-D image of how bleomycin targets and binds to DNA. This breakthrough study may lead to improved chemotherapy drugs for various cancers.
A UC San Diego researcher has identified a new enzyme target that can reduce the production of beta-amyloid peptides, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. By inhibiting this enzyme, the researchers observed improved memory and reduced levels of beta-amyloid protein in mice bred to exhibit Alzheimer's disease symptoms.
A study by Brown University scientists has found that activation of the pain receptor TRPV1 can trigger long-term depression, creating lasting changes in neural connections. This process is believed to be the cellular basis for memory making, with implications for drug development and potentially treating neural disorders.
Scientists have identified nine molecules that reverse the features of fragile X syndrome in fruit flies, including deficits in learning centers and behavioral deficits. The screening also uncovered other neural pathways that may be targeted for drug therapy.
Researchers at Uppsala University have made a breakthrough in treating eating disturbances, including obesity and anorexia, by targeting the melanocortin system. The system regulates energy balance and appetite, and tiny imbalances can lead to major changes.
Researchers developed a pH-sensitive pseudorotaxane nanovalve that can switch between open and closed states. The valve uses cucurbituril molecules to control the flow of guest molecules in porous silica spheres, offering a potential solution for targeted drug delivery.
Researchers found a link between low microRNA levels and high gene activity in AML, suggesting new therapeutic targets. The study identified two genes in the Hox family that are over-active in leukemia cells, providing new insights into AML treatment.