Research on the molecular targets that drugs act on. Covers new antibiotic mechanisms, drug discovery competitions, bile-acid pathways, and Alzheimer's targets.
Research on 44,751 students from 1979-2004 shows that deviance-prone male youth are more likely to use marijuana when social acceptance is high. In contrast, deviance-prone female teens consistently use marijuana regardless of national trends, suggesting a lack of response to social pressures.
Scientists at University College London have identified two cell proteins that relax the gut and help accommodate large meals. The P2Y1 and P2Y11 receptor proteins could provide a new approach to combatting weight gain by preventing stomach expansion.
Researchers have identified a new compound that blocks an early step in programmed cell death, known as apoptosis. This process is triggered by mitochondrial division and can lead to cell death during heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have developed a novel method to identify weak and transient protein interactions. By analyzing over 6000 experiments in mammalian cells, they discovered 17 new pairs of interactions that could lead to novel therapeutic opportunities for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and growth.
A new approach to medicine may involve targeting specific gut microbes to combat diseases like diabetes and obesity. Research suggests that altering the gut microbiome using probiotics can have a significant impact on human health.
A new strategy for designing drugs that target resistant viral strains has been discovered by Penn researchers. The M2 protein, located in the viral envelope, forms a long, narrow channel allowing protons to flow into the viral interior, an essential step for infection.
A new study by Naofumi Mukaida and colleagues found that TNF-alpha antagonist reduces inflammation-induced colon cancer in mice, suggesting a potential treatment for ulcerative colitis patients. Additionally, research on mesenchymal stem cells showed that the antitumor drug bortezomib can target these cells and promote bone cell-specif...
Researchers discovered that the antitumor drug bortezomib can specifically target mesenchymal stem cells, leading to enhanced bone regeneration in mice. Bortezomib treatment increased bone formation in normal mice and recovered bone loss in mice with induced osteoporosis.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified two subtypes of GABA receptors that mediate spinal pain control, opening up new possibilities for targeted pain therapy. This discovery could lead to the development of specific drugs with fewer side effects, making chronic pain treatment more effective.
The grant will support research into the proteins on TB bacteria's surface that are vital for infection, aiming to develop a map for drug developers. The goal is to create a new family of TB drugs that can effectively target the disease in a new way.
The FDA warnings had a modest impact on the use of antidepressants among youth, with significant declines in paroxetine prescriptions. However, other antidepressants also saw declines, albeit less pronounced.
Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center found that serotonin and synthetic hallucinogens trigger different chemical pathways in brain cells, leading to important implications for drug development. The study's findings suggest that screening agents must also determine if the agent signals through beta-arrestin.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have produced the first 3D structural images of a DNA-bound Type II topoisomerase, a prime target for antibacterial and anticancer drugs. The study reveals that topo II employs a 'two-gate' mechanism to carry out its tasks, controlling the passage of DNA segments through the enzyme.
Richard D. Smith, Battelle Fellow at PNNL, has been named to the prestigious Scientific American 50 list for his contributions in developing a new approach to neurological diagnostics. His research may help identify early stages of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases by analyzing biochemical biomarkers.
Researchers have discovered two new targets for drugs aimed at controlling lupus by regulating the balance between inflammatory and antiviral effects of interferons. By blocking specific kinases in the calcium-signaling pathway, they were able to suppress STAT1 activation and preserve antiviral effects.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a mouse model to study prostate cancer progression, revealing the role of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in initiating cancer. The study identified key genes involved in cell plasticity and discovered a new marker for human prostate cancer.
Researchers have discovered a protein called CIB1 that plays a major role in controlling new blood vessel growth, providing a potential target for drug therapies. The findings may help control unwanted blood vessel growth in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and wound healing.
Researchers re-engineered imatinib to specifically target gastrointestinal stromal tumor and reduce cardiotoxic side effects. The new drug, WBZ-4, was found to be equally effective against gastrointestinal cancer while significantly reducing the risk of heart failure in animal tests.
A literature review found that well-designed seminars, role-playing, and focused curricula can influence medical students' and residents' attitudes towards pharmaceutical companies. Medical schools can reduce the impact of industry influence by implementing policies to limit contact with company representatives.
Researchers at Yale University discovered a novel gene, VGF, that plays a crucial role in exercise-induced antidepressant effects. The study found that enhancing VGF expression can function like a powerful anti-depressant, providing a potential new treatment target for depression.
Researchers at MIT used fMRI to monitor brain development in rats, correcting for changes that occur during early life. The study found a key player in the changing relationship between neural activity and blood response: carbonic anhydrase.
A novel computer technique predicts side effects of major pharmaceuticals, including SERMs for breast cancer treatment. The approach shortens drug development and reduces costly recalls by identifying off-target proteins.
Researchers discover paddle, a modular unit in ion channels, enabling nerve cells to fire. The findings hold promise for developing new therapeutic drugs targeting ion channel function., Ion channel proteins control electrical activity in nerve cells, and the study's results may lead to new approaches for treating neurological disorder...
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have deciphered the three-dimensional structure of a telomerase domain essential for its activity. This finding may lead to the development of direct inhibitors of telomerase, a promising new target for anti-cancer therapies. The study's insights into normal aging are also warranted.
Researchers identified three pathways common to in vitro and in vivo dengue virus infections, including the NF-kappaB initiated immune pathway, type I interferon pathway, and ubiquitin proteasome pathway. Inhibiting these pathways resulted in significant inhibition of viral replication, suggesting new avenues for drug development.
Texas A&M researchers Frank Raushel and Ricardo Marti-Arbona use molecular docking to predict enzyme function based on structure alone. The team's method ranks molecules by fit and scores them for physical testing, offering a faster alternative to existing methods.
Shigetada Nakanishi's work has led to new tools and drug targets in neuroscience. His discoveries are bringing a full understanding of the human brain closer.
Researchers found peroxynitrite plays a crucial role in opiate-induced antinociceptive tolerance in mice. Accumulation of tyrosine-nitrated proteins and oxidative DNA damage were associated with this process.
A phase II trial of axitinib has shown promising activity in patients with cytokine-refractory, metastatic kidney cancer. In the trial, 23 patients had complete or partial responses, with some responses lasting up to 26 months.
Researchers have determined the precise picture of cell target for drugs, giving them greater control over treatment. The high-resolution structure of a human G-protein-coupled receptor, such as beta 2-adrenergic receptor, can direct the future design of drugs that precisely bind to specific receptors.
A virtual simulation model called Pathogen Simulation (PathSim) was developed to study the progression of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in humans. The researchers used PathSim to simulate EBV infection and observe its impact on the immune system, finding critical switch points that determine disease progression.
Researchers found that CFTR mutations cause TGN acidity, leading to increased furin activity, which promotes tissue fibrosis and suppresses immune response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study suggests chloroquine as a potential treatment and identifies furin inhibitors as new therapeutics for cystic fibrosis
Researchers have solved the first high-resolution structure of the mammalian HSP90 protein, GRP94, which is implicated in immune diseases such as sepsis, AIDS, and certain cancers. This breakthrough provides new insights into the function and activity patterns of this protein, paving the way for the design of targeted therapies.
A team of scientists discovered that a cell protein plays a crucial role in protecting cancer cells from chemotherapy drugs. Blocking this protein's expression increased sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs in lung cancer cells, offering a potential target for improving treatment outcomes.
A team of researchers funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has solved the complete genome of Brugia malayi, a parasite that causes elephantiasis. This breakthrough reveals dozens of potential new targets for drugs or vaccines, offering new opportunities for understanding, treating and preventing the disease.
Researchers identify fundamental brain defect in fragile X syndrome and find a potential drug target using a therapy that reverses the effects of the mutation. The discovery could lead to human therapies for this previously untreatable condition.
A new study shows that tamoxifen, a breast cancer medication, dramatically reduces manic symptoms of bipolar disorder more quickly than many standard medications. Tamoxifen blocks an enzyme called protein kinase C, which is thought to be over-active during the manic phase.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified new sites on bacterial protein-making machinery where antibiotics can be delivered to treat infections. The study found that targeting specific regions of the ribosome, a crucial cellular component, may provide a novel approach to developing effective antibiotics.
A multidisciplinary team led by UCSD researchers has determined the structure of MitoNEET, a protein that shows promise as a target for developing innovative diabetes drugs. The discovery provides insights into how these drugs may protect cells from oxidative stress and potentially offer greater specificity and fewer side effects.
A recent study discovered that mice lacking the protein myostatin and overproducing follistatin have four times more muscle mass than normal mice. This finding offers new avenues for enhancing muscle growth in patients with muscular dystrophy and other wasting diseases.
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine suggests that COX-2 inhibitors like Vioxx trigger life-threatening side effects by stimulating blood clotting. The researchers propose a solution by administering TF-reducing drugs alongside Cox-2 inhibitors to treat people safely
The new guidelines aim to reduce ambiguity and capture necessary information from experiments to provide a deeper level of understanding. They have been implemented in public repositories such as ArrayExpress, IntAct, and PRIDE, enabling easier identification and use of relevant data.
Johns Hopkins researchers have solved the long-standing puzzle of how bacteria produce the B vitamin folate, uncovering an unknown enzyme that plays a crucial role in the process. The discovery sheds light on potential antibacterial drug targets and could lead to new therapeutic options.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed nanogels that can uniformly release encapsulated carbohydrate-based drugs, enabling targeted delivery to specific tissues like cancer cells. The nanogels are biodegradable and non-toxic, allowing for prolonged circulation time within the bloodstream.
Researchers suggest treating CML patients with a combination of imatinib and dasatinib to prevent BCR-ABL mutants that are resistant to both drugs. A study found that combining the two drugs can increase time before relapse or decrease chance of cancer return.
Researchers investigating chronic myeloid leukemia treatment options suggest combining drugs to combat resistance, while others explore targeting prostaglandin E2 receptor EP1 for hypertension therapy. Additionally, a study reveals that Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 deficiency prevents abnormal blood vessel formation in the retina.
Scientists at Cure Lab, Inc. have identified a new target for the development of anti-influenza drugs, specifically the M2 protein, which may be responsible for killing human cells. This discovery has the potential to lead to a new generation of medicines that can complement existing treatments for influenza.
The study provides a complete picture of how anthrax-causing bacteria survive and grow inside immune cells, identifying key genes and enzymes that play crucial roles. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective and easily tolerated treatments for anthrax infections.
A new MIT model can predict how cells will respond to targeted drug therapies, enabling better treatment choices for individual patients. The model is based on similarities in cell signaling pathways and could help test the effectiveness of drugs for various diseases.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered that the overactive Ras gene is responsible for above-normal secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), which drives tumor growth. Inhibiting IL-6 production reduces new blood vessel creation, crucial for tumor development and nourishment.
A Northwestern University researcher has found that old memory traces in the prefrontal cortex may trigger chronic pain. The discovery led to a new drug, D-Cycloserine, which controls persistent nerve pain by targeting the emotional suffering of pain.
Researchers create nanotubes to deliver therapeutic proteins or drugs in a highly-controlled manner, avoiding side effects and improving treatment outcomes. The method targets the drug where it is needed, reducing dosage and promoting better absorption.
A new drug under investigation for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) shows promising results in reducing new brain lesions and frequency of relapses. Researchers at the Montreal Neurological Institute found that rituximab significantly improved treatment outcomes, providing a clearer picture of the role of B-cells in MS.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a novel target for developing drugs to treat human obesity and diabetes. A relative of the anti-aging gene Klotho, known as beta-Klotho, helps activate a hormone that can lower blood glucose levels in fat cells of mice.
A former drug rep reveals how sales forces use tactics like finely-tuned doses of friendship, free samples, and lavish gifts to manipulate physicians into selling their drugs. This manipulation can lead to increased prescribing of targeted medications, often at the expense of more effective alternatives.
A Georgetown University expert reveals how drug reps manipulate physicians with finely-tuned doses of friendship and financial incentives. The authors found that friendly doctors are the easiest to influence, while those who refuse are often wooed with gifts and flattery.
Scientists at the University of Bristol have found that inflammation caused by trapped white blood cells can obstruct blood flow to the brain, leading to poor oxygen supply. This discovery suggests a new mechanism for high blood pressure, with potential therapeutic targets for treatment.
Researchers have discovered that bacteria can enter immune system cells through a pore in the cell membrane, triggering an immune response without activating Toll-like receptors. This finding offers new perspectives for developing human vaccines and drugs that target inflammatory responses in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at Jefferson University identified a protein called Akt1 that plays a crucial role in helping breast cancer cells spread. The finding could lead to the development of new drugs targeting this protein, potentially slowing or stopping the growth and progression of breast cancer.
A new method developed by Professor Jarl Wikberg at Uppsala University allows for the precise analysis of retroviral protein interactions with small molecules. This enables the prediction of effective drug candidates against various HIV-strain resistance.