Research on the molecular targets that drugs act on. Covers new antibiotic mechanisms, drug discovery competitions, bile-acid pathways, and Alzheimer's targets.
Researchers discovered NAADP, a natural molecule with potential as an obesity treatment, that works in cells to regulate satiety. The study found NAADP levels increased rapidly and selectively in response to cholecystokinin, a hormone controlling digestion and appetite.
Researchers discovered that sirtuin1 and PGC1-alpha proteins interact to trigger glucose production in the liver. Targeting this interaction could help control sugar production in people with diabetes, potentially leading to new treatment options.
Parents can significantly boost their credibility in drug talks with teens by offering personal examples of how drugs affected them or their loved ones. Regular communication and ongoing socialization efforts are key to helping teens make healthy lifestyle choices, including avoiding peer pressure and drinking safely.
Researchers found four distinct regions in the human progesterone receptor gene that influence hormone responsiveness. These findings challenge the long-held model of estrogen receptor binding and transcription regulation, suggesting a more complex and tissue-specific process.
Researchers have discovered a novel way to block the smallpox virus by targeting a cellular signaling pathway. The approach, which uses an experimental drug called CI-1033, significantly impaired the production of new virus particles and spread of the virus in infected cells.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine suggests that PPARã can turn genes both on and off. By targeting this ability to turn off genes without affecting others, researchers may develop drugs called SPPARMs that decrease TZD-related side effects.
Researchers found that statins may break down toxic amyloid-beta by inhibiting the Rho/ROCK pathway, which could lead to new anti-amyloid drug targets. The study suggests that statins may be a promising strategy in treating Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists have identified a key mechanism by which botulinum neurotoxin recognizes and attacks specific nerve cell proteins. The discovery reveals an extensive interaction between the toxin and its target, known as exosites, enabling high specificity.
A new immunosuppression protocol has significantly reduced the need for anti-rejection medications in intestinal transplant patients, resulting in a 96% one-year survival rate. The study showed that 69% of patients are taking a single dose of immunosuppression, and none experienced chronic rejection.
UT Austin researchers found that fruit fly exposure to benzyl alcohol increases slo gene activity, leading to tolerance and increased resistance. This study provides potential targets for anti-addiction drugs.
Researchers design medication that corrects abnormal brain functions in targeted areas, reducing side effects found in existing medications. The new type of drug could be available within five to 10 years and has the potential to improve treatment options for Canadians affected by psychiatric disorders.
Researchers at NYU discovered a gene mutation, Lmo, that increases sensitivity to cocaine in fruit flies. The mutation affects the fly's internal clock, modulating sensitivity to cocaine within its cells.
Researchers found that ultrasound therapy increased clot clearance by 26% compared to tPA alone, with 70% of patients experiencing complete or partial clearance. The study used a hand-held extracranial ultrasound device to deliver heavy doses of the clot-busting drug tPA directly to blood clots.
Researchers found evidence that HIV co-opts human enzyme DDX3 to transport its genetic material out of the cell nucleus. The discovery provides an attractive target for drug development and could lead to a new type of HIV drug that blocks viral replication without causing harm to human cells.
A study using antibody microarrays measured levels of over 500 proteins in tissue samples from patients with epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease, identifying increased signal transduction proteins as a possible new target for treatment. This discovery could lead to the development of new medications for these conditions.
Researchers found an enzymatic pathway called Rho/ROCK plays a key role in the metabolism of APP, which is associated with Alzheimer's. The discovery may lead to novel anti-amyloid drugs and more specific therapies for Alzheimer's patients.
Basic research on HIV is leading to new therapies that deny initial entry into cells. Fast-moving research on naturally occurring antiviral factors is opening the way for a new class of anti-HIV drugs.
The study found that increasing neuronal activity in the region enhances flinch responses, while decreasing activity reduces sustained defensive movements. This suggests the polysensory zone is a hotspot for processing specific stimuli related to body defense.
The report recommends the development of antiviral drugs against smallpox due to its high lethality and ease of transmission. Research on poxvirus mechanisms and animal models is crucial to understand how the virus kills and develop effective treatments without using antiviral drugs.
Researchers at Rice University have received a four-year, $1.1 million grant to develop a fruit fly model for neurofibromatosis and test key proteins as potential drug targets. The team aims to understand how signaling proteins regulate NF tumor growth.
Researchers have made progress in understanding the mechanisms of HIV drug resistance, particularly with tenofovir and the DAPY compounds. These drugs approach the problem of resistance in different ways, targeting reverse transcriptase enzyme or molecular machine used by the AIDS virus.
Researchers found that platelets can promote diabetic complications and contribute to inflammation in heart disease. They discovered a common Type II diabetes drug can dampen platelet inflammatory activity, potentially leading to new treatments for vascular diseases.
A study by Imperial College London calls for targeted health education campaigns for HCV among injecting drug users, citing a lack of awareness and risk of transmission. The researchers found that many users share paraphernalia, leading to under-reported cases.
A new study finds that cephalosporin drugs are more effective in treating strep throat than penicillin, with a superior bacterial cure rate. First-generation cephalosporin drugs offer the same narrow-spectrum effect as penicillin at comparable costs.
A new study suggests that male circumcision may protect against HIV-1 infection by removing the foreskin's high density of specific cellular targets. The study found a highly significant and specific protective effect of male circumcision on HIV-1 acquisition rates, but no protective effect against other STIs.
The completed genome sequence of Cryptosporidium parvum provides new insights into the parasite's genetic makeup and biochemical pathways. This information can be used to develop early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies for humans and animals affected by the parasite.
Researchers use computer methods and electron microscopy to understand how molecular machines interact and work together in cells. By building assembly plans for individual machines, they can connect them to form a network, providing insights into cellular structures and functions.
A combination of two existing drugs, rapamycin and doxorubicin, was found to be effective in treating cancer by restoring a natural cell death mechanism and triggering programmed cell death. The treatment led to complete remission in mouse models of B-cell lymphoma.
Researchers have identified orlistat as an inhibitor of fatty acid synthase, a key enzyme in cancer cell metabolism. This discovery holds promise for developing new treatments for prostate, breast, and colon cancers by inhibiting the enzyme's activity with orlistat.
A team of biologists has discovered that the parasite relies on salvage enzymes to steal nutrients from its host to survive. This discovery provides new targets for drugs designed to treat victims of this parasitic disease, which causes chronic severe diarrhea and life-threatening complications in AIDS patients.
Researchers developed ultrasound-guided liposomes to boost imaging and target drug/gene therapy. The technique directs liposomes to specific targets, such as atherosclerotic plaques or blood clots, and releases drugs with ultrasonic pulses, improving visualization and diagnosis of arterial conditions.
A Stanford team has developed a simplified method for generating siRNA molecules to disable genes, overcoming the technique's limitations in expense and labor. The new protocol allows researchers to create libraries of siRNA molecules for all known genes, enabling the identification of genes that play critical roles in stem cell function.
Researchers have discovered an RNA lariat structure that may explain the long-standing mechanism of template shift in retroviral replication. The finding provides new insights into the process of reverse transcription and has potential implications for understanding HIV-1 replication and developing targeted therapies.
Researchers develop a method to capture enzyme activity in real-time, revealing detailed information about molecular interactions. This breakthrough enables the design of targeted synthetic drugs for cancer treatment.
The Transdisciplinary Prevention Research Center will focus on developing methods of intervention during key developmental transitional periods. A multidisciplinary team of researchers will test new ideas, theories and methods aimed at developing novel drug abuse prevention programs.
Researchers developed novel proteins that can block the activation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a key regulator of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. These modified versions of TNF are designed to prevent an immune response, offering a promising new avenue for treating the disease.
Researchers identify key genes involved in cancer development, including BRAF, and develop targeted drugs to combat the disease. A new approach to cancer treatment is being explored by targeting mutated genes, offering new hope for more efficient treatments.
The study identifies three novel genes EDG1, PAK2, and TRAC-1 that repress T-cell receptor signalling in T-cells. These genes were discovered using a retroviral approach that allowed researchers to screen for genes critical for immune regulation.
Researchers are developing an automated search and retrieval process for drug names to minimize medication errors caused by soundalike words. The software will use intelligibility and perceptual neighborhood measurements to predict confusability scores.
Scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new compound that activates glucokinase, an enzyme that regulates blood sugar levels. The compound has shown promise in improving insulin secretion and glucose usage in animals with diabetes, paving the way for potential clinical trials.
Researchers have identified a new target for treating female sexual dysfunction, which is caused by an enzyme that disrupts blood flow. The discovery provides an important advance in understanding the biochemical cascade involved in healthy sexual function.
Researchers develop soluble mimics of GPCRs to study their interactions with G-proteins, potentially leading to new drugs for various medical conditions. The technology could also be used to screen for drugs that block malfunctioning GPCRs.
A recent study by Stanford researchers found that four of the 10 studied atypicals were more effective than conventional medications in treating psychotic symptoms. The effectiveness of new antipsychotics varies from drug to drug, but they generally carry a smaller risk of severe side effects compared to older medications.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have identified a protease in the SARS virus genome, which could be a target for new drugs. The team is now working to characterize the protease's structure and properties to validate its value as a drug development target.
A study published in Cell identified the function of PPARd, a key receptor that regulates how fat is used. The receptor was found to regulate adaptive thermogenesis, a physiological defense against obesity.
Researchers found that mice with a mutation in the fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4) gene lack wrinkles and normal hair growth. The study suggests that FATP4 plays a critical role in skin development, potentially leading to new treatments for obesity and other conditions.
Research shows a decrease in antibiotic prescriptions in the US, but an increase in broad-spectrum antibiotic use, which can lead to antibiotic resistance. This shift poses significant global public health concerns, particularly for treating infections like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
A £1.96m grant has enabled the development of unique technology that quickly tests drugs against human GPCRs, which are responsible for many diseases. The 'SepteCell' system uses yeast cells to screen drugs and provides detailed information on their effectiveness.
A recent study by Dr. Michelle A. Miller-Day found that 70% of adolescents prefer discussing important topics with their mothers. The study, which surveyed 67 African-American and White teens aged 11-17, suggests that teenagers are more likely to confide in their mothers about drug use and extend those conversations to their peer groups.
Researchers used radiation to activate receptors in tumor blood vessels, enabling targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs. The approach showed promising results in reducing side effects and delaying tumor growth.
Imatinib mesylate has shown significant effectiveness in treating gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), a previously difficult-to-treat cancer type. The drug's success is attributed to its ability to target KIT tyrosine kinase mutations, which are present in most GISTs.
The malaria parasite evolved from a plant-like organism that survived by photosynthesis, and its relict chloroplast contains genes associated with anti-malarial drug targets. At least 12 new drug targets have been identified, providing leads for safe herbicides and antibiotics.
Research found that reducing blood pressure to less than the standard goal also lowered artery stiffness in patients with high blood pressure. The study involved 142 nondiabetic patients who received antihypertensive drugs, resulting in a significant decrease in artery stiffness for those with lower target pressures.
Researchers studied Candida albicans in the presence of fluconazole and found changes in hundreds of genes. The altered genes displayed three distinct patterns that can be targeted with companion drugs, delaying or preventing drug resistance.
Researchers at Penn State have identified a protein, km23, that is defective in nearly half of human cancer tissues. Alterations in this protein disrupt cell signaling, leading to tumor growth and spreading. The team hopes to develop drugs targeting km23 to prevent tumor progression and diagnose specific cancers.
Researchers identified 15 BCR-ABL mutations that cause resistance to Gleevec, a common treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia. These mutations alter the enzyme's flexibility and conformation, making it difficult for the drug to bind and inhibit its activity.
Researchers have identified genetic markers that can predict which patients with schizophrenia will benefit from clozapine treatment. The study found that genetic variations in four key genes, including 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C, can successfully predict treatment outcome in approximately 77% of cases.
Scientists discover that enzymes like p38 contain two binding sites, one for active site and another to tether substrate. This new understanding reveals a switch-like mechanism in cellular signaling.
A recent study identified stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) as a key enzyme involved in fat storage, specifically in the liver. Leptin, a hormone produced by fat tissue, represses SCD-1 levels, leading to decreased fat accumulation and increased energy expenditure.
Cancer cells invading blood vessels and lymph vessels allows them to grow anew in other parts of the body. NFAT protein is found to be contributing to aggressive behavior of cancer cells and associated with alpha 6 beta 4 integrin, a hallmark of metastatic tumors.