Articles tagged with Molecular Neuropharmacology
University of California, Davis researchers successfully synthesized new compounds with reduced hallucinogenic and cardiotoxic effects, identifying one compound with antipsychotic-like effects. By systematically deconstructing LSD, they uncovered the importance of the phenethylamine-like traits in producing hallucinogenic effects.
Researchers discovered that neuronal nitric oxide synthase drives neuroblastoma through the mTOR signaling cascade. Treating cancer cells with a selective inhibitor called BA-101 collapsed tumor growth in mice with striking force, and silencing the nNOS gene also led to significant results.
Lawrence Toll has been named a senior member of the National Academy of Inventors for his pioneering work on pain pathways, reward systems, and potential treatments. His research focuses on identifying new drug targets and therapeutic strategies to combat chronic pain and addiction.
Chronic alcohol consumption alters endocannabinoid gene expression in reward- and decision-related brain regions, offering insights into addiction biology. This study reveals changes in CB1 and CB2 receptor genes, as well as GPR55 and FAAH enzymes, potentially leading to targeted therapeutic strategies.
In a new study, Northwestern scientists identified a previously unknown toxic sub-species of amyloid beta oligomers that drive brain changes in Alzheimer's disease. NU-9 decreased this toxin and reduced damage in a mouse model, suggesting it could prevent or delay the cascade of toxic events that destroy neurons.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have discovered a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease by targeting muscle protein Cathepsin B. The study found that increasing Ctsb in muscle tissue may offer protection against the effects of AD and promote brain cell growth, restoring protein balance and rebalancing brain activity.
A new compound MCH11, a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor, shows promising effects in reducing alcohol consumption and motivation to drink in mice. The molecule exhibits anxiolytic and antidepressant properties with sex-dependent efficacy, correcting genetic alterations associated with alcohol use disorder.
A recent landmark study identifies adenosine as the critical mediator of rapid antidepressant action, connecting ketamine, ECT, and hypoxia. The discovery raises questions about the potential interference of caffeine with these treatments, highlighting the need for further research on adenosinergic modulation in depression.
Researchers from RIKEN have discovered that Japanese people's responses to alcohol can be divided into three clear clusters based on genetic analysis and experiments. These clusters are associated with specific combinations of gene variations, including ALDH2 and ADH1B, which can help identify individuals at risk for alcohol-related di...
Dr. Danielle Beckman's research uses animal models to understand how viruses like COVID-19 trigger neurological damage and accelerate Alzheimer's disease. Her work has established critical connections between viral infections and neurodegenerative processes.
Researchers at EMBL Hamburg and CSSB have uncovered the molecular details of vitamin B1 absorption, revealing critical transporters and barriers that hinder its progress. The study sheds light on rare diseases caused by SLC19A3 mutations and potentially life-threatening hidden deficiencies triggered by certain medications.
Researchers developed a novel light-sensitive drug that enhances extracellular adenosine activity, inducing sleep artificially without genetic modification. The drug overcomes issues with conventional photosensitive drugs, showcasing optochemistry's potential in targeting A2A receptors and regulating brain function.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.
A new study suggests that supplementing a diet with Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some main signs of aging in animal models. The researchers found that plasmalogens, vital to body processes, decrease with age and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers have identified a new complex formed by dopamine and noradrenergic receptors that could be a therapeutic target for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and impulsivity. The α2AR-D4R complexes are associated with the manifestation of ADHD and may offer a new perspective for designing future drugs.