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Scientists uncover how molecule protects brain cells in Parkinson's disease model

Researchers found that serum glucocorticoid kinase 1 (SGK1) protects brain cells by blocking pathways involved in neurodegeneration and alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction. Increasing SGK1 levels offers a potential therapeutic approach for Parkinson's disease, as naturally occurring levels are not sufficient to promote cell survival.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateApr 15, 2015

Researchers find new approach to treat drug-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer

Researchers have identified various ways that HER2-positive breast cancer tumors resist therapy and discovered a potential combination therapy to overcome multiple mechanisms of resistance. A novel combination of lapatinib and a BET bromodomain inhibitor was found to block the growth of cancer cells, making the activity of lapatinib du...

Polo takes the bait

Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have made a groundbreaking discovery about a protein called Matrimony (Mtrm), which traps and inactivates the powerful Polo kinase. This finding has significant implications for cancer treatment, as Polo kinase is widely considered to be misregulated in many types of cancer.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2013

New target discovered for food allergy treatment

Scientists at National Jewish Health identified a novel target for treating peanut allergies by inhibiting Pim 1 kinase, which increases in the intestines of allergic mice. Treatment with a small molecule inhibitor reduced allergic symptoms, including diarrhea and histamine levels.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateNov 1, 2012

Making it easier to make stem cells

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have developed a new method to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by adding kinase inhibitors, which significantly increase cellular reprogramming efficiency. This breakthrough has the potential to accelerate disease research and drug development.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2012

New avenue for treating colon cancer

Researchers have identified an imbalance in the HNF4A gene variant as a potential biomarker for colon cancer. The study suggests that certain genetic variations may make individuals more susceptible to the disease, and drugs targeting Src kinase activity could potentially prevent or treat it.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2012

Aurora A may contribute to kidney disease

Researchers found that Aurora A was up-regulated and activated in epithelial cells lining PKD patient kidneys, binding to and phosphorylating polycystin-2. Inhibition of Aurora A boosted intracellular calcium levels, suggesting it may be a viable therapeutic target for boosting polycystin-2 activity in certain patients.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJun 13, 2011

Cancer drugs may help stop major parasite

Researchers discovered that cancer drugs can inhibit Leishmania's survival and infection ability by targeting its TOR kinase proteins. The study highlights the potential of repurposing existing cancer treatments to combat this debilitating parasite.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2010

Technique enables precise control of protein activity in living cells

Engineered allosteric regulation provides precise control of kinase activity in living cells, enabling scientists to understand cellular processes and dissect the functions of kinases. This new method has exciting applications in basic research and promises to open doors to new scientific insights into cancer and other human diseases.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 27, 2010

Research points to way to improve heart treatment

A University of Iowa study suggests a way to improve heart treatment by targeting key heart-related mechanisms with drugs that maintain the positive effects of calmodulin kinase II while reducing its negative effects. The findings aim to prevent unwanted calcium activity and related molecular problems that lead to cell overload and death.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2010

New way to lose fat, keep the lean

Scientists have identified a new mechanism that helps the body burn more energy, leading to increased fat burning and lean muscle mass. The study suggests that targeting the Fyn kinase enzyme may offer a promising approach for developing new weight loss treatments.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 2, 2010

How to shoot the messenger

Researchers from EMBL have discovered the molecular structure of a key protein involved in cellular communication systems that are affected in neurodegeneration, cancer and cardiovascular disease. The study provides insights into how this protein functions and how it can be targeted with drugs to develop new treatments.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience Signaling·DateJan 26, 2010

New model of skin cancer provides insights on second-most common type of cancer

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a new model of skin cancer that sheds light on the role of Src kinase and its anti-oncogene counterpart, Srcasm. The study found that Fyn, a member of the Src family of proteins, is a potent oncogene in skin cancer, while Srcasm levels are decreased and acti...

Aurora B answers an XIST-ential question

Researchers found that Aurora B kinase helps regulate XIST's chromatin binding by phosphorylating chromatin proteins during mitosis. This study provides insight into X chromosome silencing and may lead to a better understanding of noncoding RNAs and their role in regulating heterochromatin.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 24, 2009

New insights on heart's 'fight or flight' response to stress

Researchers at University of Iowa discovered that calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) activation can increase heart rates, contrary to traditional beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation understanding. This finding suggests inhibiting CaM kinase II function could help control heart rate problems in people with a...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2009

Discovery has implications for heart disease

A study by University of Iowa researchers reveals a new dimension for a key heart enzyme and sheds light on an important biological pathway involved in cell death in heart disease. The team found that oxidation can sustain the enzyme's activity, which is implicated in arrhythmias, hypertrophy, and heart cell death.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCell·DateMay 1, 2008