Research on the molecular targets that drugs act on. Covers new antibiotic mechanisms, drug discovery competitions, bile-acid pathways, and Alzheimer's targets.
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.
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.
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 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.