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Memory problems in old age linked to a key enzyme, study in mice finds

A team of researchers from Penn State has identified HDAC3 as a key contributor to age-related impairments in memory updating. When blocked, older mice performed similarly to their younger counterparts, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive flexibility in old age.

SourcePenn State·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

Sniffing our way to better health

Researchers have discovered that certain volatile compounds emitted by microbes and food can alter epigenetic states in neurons and other eukaryotic cells. Exposure to these compounds can slow down neurodegeneration and cancer, while also affecting plant growth and responses to stress.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Novel combination therapy offers promising results for treatment-refractory hepatoblastoma

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a novel combination therapy that produced encouraging results in animal models. The therapy, which includes an inhibitor of the enzyme histone deacetylase (HDAC), showed significant tumor shrinkage and reduced alpha fetoprotein levels after just one week of treatment.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Gut bacteria can process dietary fiber into an anti-allergy weapon, finds new study

Scientists found that short-chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria suppress allergic reactions by modulating mast cell activation and epigenetic modifications. This study provides new insights into the relationship between diet and immune system regulation, with potential applications in allergy treatment.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

CU School of Medicine researchers find potential target for prompting fat cells to expend energy

A CU School of Medicine research team has identified histone deacetylase 11 (HDAC11) as a potential target for treating obesity and metabolic disease. Inhibiting HDAC11 stimulates the expression of uncoupling protein 1, inducing fat cells to expend energy and potentially overcoming catecholamine resistance.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2023

SLAS Discovery's June issue on synthetic biology available now

The June edition of SLAS Discovery features the cover article on developing high-throughput biochemical assays to assess small molecule impact on SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 14. The issue also includes nine original research articles, covering topics such as HIV latency reversal, kinase inhibitors, and drug combination screening.

Possible new combination treatment for cancer

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new combination treatment for cancer using the molecules RVX2135 and HDAC inhibitors. The treatment has been shown to increase survival rates in mice with MYC-driven lymphoma by activating similar genes as existing cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2014

New discovery in fight against Huntington's disease

A significant scientific discovery has been made in the fight against Huntington's disease, identifying specific enzymes called HDACs as positive agents for the mutation that underlies the disorder. Blocking these enzymes with experimental drugs greatly reduces the risk of further mutation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 21, 2012

Drug may slow spread of deadly eye cancer

Researchers have discovered a drug that can alter the DNA of uveal melanoma cells, rendering them less aggressive. The treatment, known as histone deacetylase inhibitors, may slow or prevent tumor growth in patients with metastatic eye cancer.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 28, 2011

Breakthrough in Niemann-Pick Type C research reported by Notre Dame and Cornell scientists

Scientists at Notre Dame and Cornell have made a breakthrough in understanding the genetic disorder Niemann-Pick Type C, which affects brain cells and causes devastating symptoms. Using histone deacetylase inhibitors, researchers were able to correct the damage done by the genetic flaw and restore normal cell function.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2011

Drug blocks lethal motor-neuron disease in mice

A study shows that trichostatin A, a hydroxamic acid HDAC inhibitor, increases SMN2 production in both neural tissues and muscles of mice with spinal muscular atrophy, improving survival chances. The treatment attenuates disease symptoms in affected mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 2007

A one-two punch for tumors

Researchers found that combining histone deacetylase inhibitors with anti-angiogenesis drugs reduced tumor growth in mice by up to 85% and controlled new blood vessel formation by 60%. This combination therapy may provide a greater impact on cancer development than using the drugs alone.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 15, 2004