Articles tagged with Drug Targets
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.
Researchers have found a key vasodilator degraded in hypertension, leading to potential new treatments that prevent organ damage. A new pathway targeting the kidneys' response to hypertension may help control blood pressure and improve kidney function.
Research by Dr. Lisa Ellerby at the Buck Institute suggests that calpain, a naturally occurring enzyme, plays a key role in Huntington's disease progression. The study uses post-mortem tissue and cell culture models to show that calpain activation is involved in brain damage.
A UNC research team has shed new light on the classic 'lock-and-key' theory of drug action by discovering functional selectivity. The findings reveal that drugs can act as both agonists and antagonists at different receptors, allowing for more targeted treatment options. This breakthrough could lead to improved clinical effects with ex...
Researchers found that naltrexone increased the antiviral activity of AZT and indinavir when added to cell cultures containing these drugs. Naltrexone targets infected cells rather than the virus itself, a novel approach to HIV treatment.
Researchers discovered that manganese can significantly lower HIV's reverse transcriptase enzyme activity. By targeting the manganese transporter, scientists may develop a new class of anti-retroviral drugs to stop HIV replication.
Researchers at Princeton University have pinpointed what appears to be a central cause of lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects 1.4 million Americans. The discovery highlights a specific mechanism in B cells that produces disease-fighting antibodies, which can mistakenly attack the body's own DNA.
Researchers have discovered a protein, lynx1, that modulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are involved in nicotine addiction and other neurological disorders. Studying lynx1 has provided insights into its potential role as a therapeutic target for treating nicotine addiction.
Researchers found that low doses of Gd-Tex selectively kill HIV-infected T cells, which could be an effective approach to attack the virus. The drug's effectiveness remains uncertain and requires further testing to ensure its safety and efficacy as an HIV therapy.
A study found that only 24% of antibiotics prescribed for women's urinary tract infections are the recommended drug, down from 48% in 1990. The alternative medications are no more effective and cost 11-40 times as much. This trend appears to result from non-clinical forces such as pharmaceutical promotions and sub-specialty culture.
Researchers created molecular-scale computing circuits that can carry out basic computing operations, paving the way for tiny but powerful machines. These circuits have the potential to translate conversations on the fly or diagnose illnesses quickly, and could provide computing power for decades to come.
Researchers found that brain structures associated with rewarding experiences are also activated by painful stimuli, leading to a better understanding of pain's emotional component. This study may lead to the development of new approaches to diagnosing and treating chronic pain.
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center revealed the architecture of MAO B's active site and membrane binding sites, enabling improved drug design with increased specificity and fewer side effects. The study also highlights potential applications in treating depression and neurodegenerative diseases.
A survey of 310 pregnant women in Zambia found that 74% prefer targeted therapy with resources available, while 60% support mass drug administration if only half the population is targeted. The results suggest that most women would prioritize access to nevirapine over testing.
Scientists develop 'smart' polymer drug carriers that target diseased cells, improving treatment outcomes for cancer, AIDS, and other diseases. The technology also enables controlled release of drugs over days, weeks, or years.
Researchers have identified 156 probable membrane proteins that could serve as new drug targets to combat antibiotic-resistant salmonella. The study also revealed two previously unknown gene clusters required for producing hair-like strands on the bacteria's surface.
Researchers found that 60% of patients received first-line antibiotics and had a 90.1% success rate, while those who received second-line antibiotics had a similar 90.8% success rate but were more expensive.
Researchers developed a new technique that can target aerosol particles to smaller, harder-to-reach airways in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. The method uses fine particles and varying inhalation rates to direct the spray to different areas of the lungs.
Phase I clinical trials show CCI-779's potential as a cancer treatment, inhibiting tumor growth with minimal side effects. The drug targets the mTOR pathway, which may selectively arrest the development of certain cancer cells.
Researchers have discovered two targets for a new generation of cholesterol-lowering drugs that should allow greater precision in managing cholesterol levels. A key compound, LG268, has been shown to completely block the absorption of cholesterol in mice, while also enhancing the production of reverse cholesterol transporters.
Researchers at UNC-CH have developed a gene therapy method that targets specific types of cells, avoiding the less effective 'shotgun' approach. The technique successfully corrects genetic defects in primitive stem cells, which can be used to treat inherited blood disorders like hemophilia and non-inherited illnesses such as cancer.
A nationwide study found that 62% of patients with high cholesterol did not reach recommended targets, with African-Americans facing even greater challenges. Patients who followed doctors' advice on diet and exercise were more likely to reach target levels.
A Johns Hopkins study found that in 83 neighborhood stores, 86% of African-American and white teen buyers successfully purchased cigarettes, often with seductive advertisements targeting minors. The researchers suggest strengthening public awareness of tobacco's health hazards to prevent teen smoking.