Articles tagged with Drug Discovery
Researchers successfully applied AlphaFold AI to an end-to-end platform, discovering a novel target and developing a potent hit molecule for liver cancer. The study demonstrates the potential of AI-powered drug discovery to accelerate treatment development.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a multiplex base-editing platform that significantly improves the pace of new drug discovery by inducing fungi to produce more bioactive compounds. The technique has been deployed as a tool for mining fungal genomes for medically useful compounds, reducing research timeline by over 80%.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified a novel molecular pathway that causes gout and its progression to joint tissue erosion. The findings position lubricin as a novel therapeutic target for both the prevention and treatment of the disease.
Medical University of South Carolina researchers develop a novel LSD1 inhibitor that shows early promise at fighting neuroblastoma when paired with bortezomib. The combination boosts anti-tumor response and is a viable strategy for targeting high-risk MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma.
A retrospective cohort study of 1,404 subjects with type 2 diabetes found that metformin use reduced the risk of delirium by 50% and decreased 3-year mortality rates. The study suggests that metformin may be a potential benefit for patients with diabetes, particularly in reducing age-related disorders such as dementia.
Researchers from City of Hope identified how a protein receptor targeted by 33% of all federally approved medications works. This discovery could facilitate pharmaceutical research and lead to the creation of innovative medicines with fewer side effects.
Researchers developed an integrated approach to accelerate drug discovery by combining complex datasets from two screening platforms and next-generation metabolomics analysis. The new framework identified known compounds, confirmed mechanisms of action, and discovered novel compounds with unique biological signatures.
Scientists used AI-driven PandaOmics platform to analyze gene expression datasets from DNA repair diseases, identifying biomarkers associated with treatment response. The study focused on genes that stratify cancer patients by survival outcomes, providing potential targets for personalized therapies.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified PKCα as a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. The study found that a subtle increase in PKCα activity was sufficient to produce biochemical, cellular and cognitive impairments in mice, similar to those observed in human AD.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a computer-based platform for drug discovery using topological data analysis. The approach allows for virtual screening of thousands of compound candidates, narrowing them down to the most promising ones for laboratory and clinical testing.
University of Copenhagen researchers made a groundbreaking discovery about the mammalian brain, finding that a vital enzyme that enables brain signals is switching on and off at random intervals. This challenges the long-held assumption that these enzymes are active at all times to convey essential signals continuously.
Scientists at KAUST have identified dynamic regions, called cryptic binding sites, that can be targeted by drugs to treat cancer. The study reveals how molecular motion influences ligand binding to BTB domains, a critical part of many proteins involved in disease.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a protocol to reprogram human heart cells into specialized cells that conduct electricity, enabling rhythmic heartbeat and repair diseased hearts. The discovery could lead to improved cardiac function and new pharmacological therapies for heart diseases.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded over $12 million to three institutions for the development of antiviral therapies against pandemic viruses. The funding will support the optimization, development, and clinical testing of promising antiviral candidates.
Researchers at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University have discovered a small-molecule oral drug that reduces PCSK9 levels and lowers cholesterol by 70% in animal models. This breakthrough could also improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies.
A recent study found that most Antarctic species' chemical compounds can repel amphipod predators but are ineffective against hermit crabs, which could decimate local populations. This highlights the vulnerability of Antarctic ecosystems to invasive species and underscores the importance of long-term research on the seafloor.
Carrying out scientific experiments in space enables faster drug discovery due to lower gravity, speeding up the development of complex medicines. Protein crystallization experiments have been instrumental in designing cancer drugs, while studying aging treatments could lead to breakthroughs in stem cell therapy.
A research team developed a vaccine targeting synthetic opioid fentanyl to block its entry into the brain, preventing fatal effects. The breakthrough could have major implications for treating Opioid Use Disorder, with potential relapse prevention capabilities.
Researchers found that MK256 induced differentiation and maturation in leukemia stem cells, inhibiting proliferation of AML cell lines. The study also showed dose-dependent inhibition of the STAT pathway in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
Researchers found histamine releases HMGB1 in vascular endothelial cells, leading to severe symptoms. Administering anti-HMGB1 antibody attenuated hypotension and improved recovery rates.
Researchers found that rapamycin treatment during developmental growth phase decelerates aging rate and extends lifespan in animals. A transient late-life treatment is not effective, but a transient early-life treatment can reprogram aging.
A comparison of two cancer drugs reveals that life cycle management strategy is crucial for a drug's commercial success. The research found that product sales are closely linked to the number of approved indications and inter-organizational alliances.
Researchers aim to use quantum computer-based AI to accelerate drug discovery, cutting costs and time by exponentially increasing processing power for complex problems. Quantum AI models have higher capability to approximate desired functionality compared to classical neural networks.
A new study in Cell Systems explores the benefits of using multiple data types in drug discovery. Gene expression and cell morphology provide complementary information for drug prioritization, advancing drug discovery, functional genomics, and precision medicine.
Researchers have developed a novel method for antibiotic resistance testing that can analyze bacterial cells in real-time, allowing for faster identification of susceptible and resistant bacteria. This breakthrough technology has the potential to transform microbial screening in clinical and research labs.
Scientists at the University of Florida have identified two small molecules that inhibit precancerous cell progression and reverse a key process involved in pancreatic cancer progression. This discovery could lead to earlier treatments and improved survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer.
A new AI model called CODE-AE can accurately predict the efficacy of novel drug compounds in humans, addressing a major challenge in drug discovery. The technique has been shown to improve accuracy and robustness over state-of-the-art methods, with potential applications in personalized medicine.
Scientists are conducting a first-of-its-kind study to investigate the origin of psychedelic compounds in fungi, including psilocybin found in 'magic mushrooms'. The research aims to understand the evolution of these compounds and their potential applications in medicine and conservation.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown biological contributor to postpartum depression: impaired autophagy, which limits the body's ability to clean up old genetic material. This finding may lead to new treatments and early identification of women at risk before they become ill.
A new drug, NMT5, has shown promising results in blocking SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals. The drug coats the virus with chemicals that temporarily alter the human ACE2 receptor, preventing it from infecting cells. In cell culture experiments, the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 was prevented from attaching to human ACE2 receptors by 95%.
Using artificial intelligence, researchers from Tufts University have devised rules for faster and more effective identification of potential new drug cocktails against tuberculosis. The study developed a set of design principles to assemble drug combinations, reducing the amount of testing needed before moving to further study.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified a compound LAMZ that stimulates muscle cell growth, reduces bone resorption, and promotes bone formation. Administered to mice with locomotor frailty, LAMZ improved muscle and bone health.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a new treatment for type 1 diabetes that uses leptin to improve insulin-alternative effects in mice. The combination of leptin and a PTP1B inhibitor normalizes blood glucose levels without the need for insulin, reducing hypoglycemia risk.
Researchers found that mTOR inhibition is crucial for p53-mediated tumor suppression, delaying cancer and increasing lifespan. In the absence of mTOR inhibition, cancer-promoting senescent cells drive tumor growth.
A new study from MIT reveals that computer models predicting molecular interactions, like AlphaFold, need improvement to help identify drug mechanisms of action. Researchers improved the performance of these models using machine-learning techniques, but more work is needed.
A KAUST-led research team identified two drug treatments that boost the activity of molecules involved in cell adhesion, enhancing the ability of blood-forming stem cells to enter the bloodstream and produce new blood. This breakthrough could lead to improved bone marrow transplant success for leukemia patients.
Researchers have successfully engineered human immune cells to model an infection common among immunocompromised people, paving the way for new drug testing and treatments. The immune cell type created played a key role in infection, inflammation, and regeneration, but also served as a natural host for germs.
A study by Japanese researchers from Fujita Health University sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of contact dermatitis, revealing that neutrophil extracellular traps play a key role in the condition. The team's findings suggest that inhibiting NET formation could be a new therapeutic strategy for treating contact dermatitis.
Researchers used x-ray crystallography to study the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 at various temperatures, revealing subtle conformational changes and potential targets for drug design. These findings may inspire the development of new antiviral drugs to counteract COVID-19 and prevent future pandemics.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have developed a series of chemical-based compounds that could be potential drug candidates for treating pulmonary tuberculosis. The compounds were licensed by US-based Neuro-Horizon Pharma LLC for commercialization.
A team of Chan Zuckerberg Biohub scientists developed a deep-learning method, dubbed
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a new target for treating high-risk neuroblastoma, a deadly pediatric cancer. A novel compound called SHP099 has shown promising results in shrinking tumors and killing cancer cells.
Researchers identified CUDC907 as a dual phosphoinositide-3 kinase/histone deacetylase inhibitor that promotes apoptosis in NF2 schwannoma cells. The compound reduced viability and induced cell cycle arrest in human merlin deficient Schwann cell models.
A new study from MIT and Broad Institute researchers analyzed interactions between nanoparticles and nearly 500 types of cancer cells, revealing thousands of biological traits that influence cell response. The findings could help tailor drug-delivery particles to specific types of cancer.
Researchers have identified 42 host cell proteins that contribute to the replication and spread of Lassa virus, a disease with high morbidity and mortality in Western Africa. One potential drug target, GSPT1, was found to be involved in viral-host interactions and showed antiviral activity against Lassa without cytotoxicity.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego launch nationwide clinical trial to investigate benfotiamine as a metabolic treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease. The trial aims to determine the effectiveness of high doses of benfotiamine in benefiting people with mild AD or mild cognitive impairment.
Researchers found that men who lose their Y chromosome as they age are more likely to experience deadly heart scarring and earlier death. The study suggests an existing drug may help counteract the effects of this loss, potentially leading to longer, healthier lives for affected men.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham developed a new technique using mass spectrometry to analyze drug-protein interactions in real tissue samples. This allows scientists to predict the therapeutic effect of drugs earlier, enabling more effective treatment options.
Researchers have discovered pairing Spinraza with valproic acid (VPA) can boost its therapeutic effects without increasing toxicity. This approach allows for improved SMN protein production in SMA patients, leading to longer survival and better muscle function.
A new AI technology called in silico FOCUS analyzes cell images to predict therapeutic effect of drugs for neurodegenerative disorders like Kennedy disease. The technology has 100% accuracy and can analyze several hundred thousand cells in just a few minutes.
Researchers generated simple kidney-like structures called organoids and used them to identify potential drugs for adult-onset polycystic kidney disease. They found nine compounds that inhibited cyst growth without stunting overall growth.
Researchers at Insilico Medicine used their proprietary AI-driven target discovery engine, PandaOmics, to identify 17 high-confidence and 11 novel therapeutic targets for ALS. These targets were further validated in various model systems, including a c9ALS Drosophila model, and showed strong functional correlations to ALS. The study's ...
Abemaciclib, a CDK4 & 6 inhibitor, showed profound inhibition of cell proliferation and triggered senescence and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Continuous dosing provided sustained inhibition with irreversible effects through apoptosis, supporting the differentiated safety and efficacy profile.
Despite advances in biology and medicinal chemistry, research on schistosomiasis and other parasitic worm diseases remains at an early stage. Novel molecular targets and parasite signaling pathways may contribute to the development of new treatments.
Researchers have discovered eight potential leukemia-killing compounds that target mitochondria, inducing mitophagy to weaken cancer cells. The compounds showed significant synergy with existing chemotherapy drugs, offering a deadly one-two punch against leukemia.
Rensselaer researchers will use a five-year grant to develop novel inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's CLpro and PLpro proteases. The team aims to create an orally bioavailable drug that can be administered at home, with the potential for improved antiviral activity when combined with other drugs like remdesivir.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a chemical process that can add two distinct functional groups to single alkenes, a breakthrough in drug design and materials science. The process uses manganese catalysts and photocalysts to enable radical ligand transfer, allowing for the creation of unique molecules.
Scientists at Chung-Ang University have pioneered a novel method for controlling microdroplet motion on solid surfaces using near-infrared light. This approach allows for more precise control than traditional thermal techniques and opens up new possibilities for applications in microfluidics, drug delivery, and self-cleaning surfaces.
Researchers use computational approach VarC to study the spatial relationships between protein variants, revealing that most cystic fibrosis patients have an unstable inner core. This understanding allows for modeling potential compounds and designing more effective drugs.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a groundbreaking microscopy technique that allows for the study of proteins, DNA, and other biological particles in their natural state. This innovation enables earlier detection of promising drug candidates and provides valuable insights into cell communication processes.