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How fungi elude antifungal treatments

Researchers at Michigan State University characterized how fungi restructure their cell walls to thwart current antifungal medications. The study found that fungi enhance their survival odds by making specific changes to the structure and organization of the components in their cell walls, rendering existing drugs ineffective.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2024

Researchers create ADP- or ATP-containing molecules with improved yield and consistency

A team of researchers developed a new chemical reaction to synthesize ADP- and ATP-containing molecules with high yields, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. The reaction uses a hydrolysis-stable reagent and achieves reproducible access to these molecules.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2024

New additive process can make better — and greener — high-value chemicals

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed an eco-friendly method to precisely mix fluorine into olefins using natural enzymes and light, offering a more efficient strategy for creating high-value chemicals with potential applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable fuels and more.

Designing safer opioids

Researchers have identified a strategy to design safer opioids that suppress pain with fewer side effects. An experimental opioid, RO76, was found to produce a signal within cells that differs from those initiated by classic opioids, leading to reduced breathing rates and withdrawal symptoms.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJul 17, 2024

The molecular basis of how Pradimicin A binds to viral N-glycan, a potential SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitor

Researchers discovered Pradimicin A's molecular basis for binding to viral N-glycan, showing promise as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug. The compound inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infectivity by interacting with branched oligomannose-containing glycans.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

Breakthrough in creating cyclic peptide opens the way for new antibiotics

Scientists at King's College London have developed a rapid method for creating cyclic peptides, an important class of antibiotic molecules, which can be produced in minutes rather than hours or days. This breakthrough could inspire renewed efforts towards developing new antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2024

Insilico Medicine publishes CDK8/19 novel inhibitor powered by generative chemistry platform to treat multiple cancers

Insilico Medicine's lead compound demonstrates strong enzymatic activity, selectivity, and favorable ADME properties, as well as antitumor activity in various animal models. The company's generative AI-powered platform generated over 3,600 candidate molecules before identifying the promising lead compound.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMay 14, 2024

Laser printing on fallen tree leaves produces sensors for medical and laboratory use

Researchers in Brazil have developed a novel method to produce electrochemical sensors using fallen tree leaves, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional substrates. The sensors were successfully tested for detecting dopamine and paracetamol concentrations, demonstrating their potential for medical and laboratory applications.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMay 9, 2024

AI designs new drugs based on protein structures

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed an AI algorithm that can design new active pharmaceutical ingredients by analyzing protein structures. The algorithm generates blueprints for potential drug molecules that increase or inhibit protein activity, reducing the need for lengthy discovery processes and minimizing side effects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2024

A vaccine to fight antibiotic resistance

A team of researchers from MSU and Harvard Medical School has created a promising vaccine candidate for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The vaccine targets Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with high levels of immunity observed in animal trials.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Insilico Medicine develops novel PTPN2/N1 inhibitor for cancer immunotherapy using generative AI

Researchers at Insilico Medicine have developed a novel PTPN2/N1 inhibitor with improved oral absorption and robust antitumor efficacy using the company's generative AI engine. The new compound demonstrates enhanced biological activities compared to existing inhibitors, offering new treatment possibilities for cancer patients.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateApr 11, 2024

How scientists are accelerating chemistry discoveries with automation

A new statistical-modeling workflow can quickly identify molecular structures of products formed by chemical reactions, accelerating drug discovery and synthetic chemistry. The workflow also enables the analysis of unpurified reaction mixtures, reducing time spent on purification and characterization.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2024

NHM scientists discover first-ever mineral-based treatment for widespread disease using the structure of crystals

Researchers develop innovative treatment to alleviate deleterious effects of hyperkalemia, a disease affecting 350 million people worldwide. The new mineral-based therapy uses ion transfer to flush excess potassium from the body, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.

SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024

Fast folding for synthetic peptides and microproteins

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new method that enables the efficient production of cysteine-rich peptides and microproteins in their naturally folded 3D structure. The approach uses organic solvents to mimic nature's oxidative folding process, resulting in speeds of over 100,000 times faster than aqueous...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Novel molecules from generative AI to phase II

Researchers used generative AI to design a lead molecule for treating fibrosis, a biological process associated with aging. The compound, INS018_055, demonstrated significant efficacy in preclinical studies and showed promising results in clinical trials, accelerating drug discovery and providing new therapeutic options.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 11, 2024

Light stimulates a new twist for synthetic chemistry

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new category of molecules that can undergo internal rotation on interaction with light, opening possibilities for photochemical switching functions and bioactive molecules. This breakthrough could lead to precisely targeted applications in biological systems and eventual therapeutic p...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Do AI-driven chemistry labs actually work? New metrics promise answers

Researchers at North Carolina State University are developing a suite of performance metrics to standardize the evaluation of self-driving labs in chemistry and materials science. These metrics aim to compare different lab technologies and identify areas for improvement, ultimately advancing the field and accelerating discovery.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 15, 2024

Scientists develop color-changing dyes that light up cellular activity and enable “time travel” within cells

Researchers have created fluorescent, colour-changing dyes that can visualise multiple distinct biological environments using only one dye. These dyes enable 'time travel' within cells by allowing scientists to distinguish between cellular and delivery vessel environments in real-time. The breakthrough has significant implications for ...

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalChem·DateFeb 15, 2024

JMC | Insilico Medicine presents the discovery of the potent and selective MYT1 inhibitors for the treatment of cancer through generative AI

Researchers at Insilico Medicine have identified MYT1 as a promising therapeutic target for breast and gynecological cancers. A series of novel, potent, and highly selective inhibitors specifically targeting MYT1 were discovered using AI-driven generative biology and chemistry engine.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJan 19, 2024

Taming a plant-derived toxin

Researchers at Scripps Research have found a way to modify picrotoxinin, a plant-derived toxin, with improved properties, making it easier to synthesize and modify. The modified version, 5Me-picrotoxinin, shows better chemical stability and is safer for humans.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 20, 2023

Three articles in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis uncover previously unknown drug and disease mechanisms

Researchers have identified promising treatment candidates for morphine tolerance and cancer, as well as a biomarker for kidney injury. A monoclonal antibody targeting the mu-opioid receptor has been shown to alleviate morphine tolerance and physical dependence, while inducing excessive mitochondrial fission in tumor cells. Additionall...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2023

A fork in the rhod: Janelia researchers unveil comprehensive collection of rhodamine-based fluorescent dyes

The Janelia Fluor dyes have become a staple in biology labs worldwide, and the team has now expanded their spectrum with a new set of far-red shifted dyes that can penetrate deeper into tissue. The researchers developed a novel chemistry to synthesize these dyes, enabling them to create dozens of functional versions relatively quickly.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 8, 2023

Learning from Nature: How a fungus makes a hard job easier

Researchers discovered the PanH enzyme, which catalyzes the selective epoxidation of cyclohexenones, a challenging reaction to achieve through chemical synthesis. The study shows that this enzyme can produce a large library of substances with improved and more specific activities in biomedical research.

Scientists harness flower “super power” to pave the way for new drug treatments

Researchers at the University of Bath have created a novel bacterial system to mass-produce cyclic proteins and peptides, addressing a significant bottleneck in the development of new therapeutic treatments. By harnessing the natural cyclization process from the Oldenlandia flower, they improved heat and chemical stability, as well as ...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJACS Au·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2023