Articles tagged with Molecular Targets
Researchers at U of T discover a ginger compound called furanodienone that selectively binds to and regulates nuclear receptor PXR, reducing inflammation in the colon. FDN has been shown to increase tight junction proteins, repairing damage to the gut lining caused by inflammation.
Researchers at UCSF have identified unique, cancer-specific proteins created through mistakes in RNA splicing. These antigens could be used to create potent immunotherapies that recognize and attack hard-to-treat tumors. The discovery offers new hope for glioma patients and expands the number of targets available for cancer therapy.
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel drug delivery system that uses nanoparticles to target and kill colorectal cancer cells. The system, which involves encapsulating cancer cell-activated nanoconjugates in an alginate matrix, can selectively deliver drugs to tumor cells while minimizing side effects.
ABT-263 eliminates harmful aging cells in the gut, reducing inflammation and lowering cancer risk in a mouse model of GI cancer. The study suggests that removing senescent cells could help prevent radiation-related GI cancer, highlighting the potential of senolytic drugs as a preventive treatment.
A team of researchers from the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson found that an FDA-approved osteoporosis treatment, risedronate, can correct a gene mutation and normalize heart function in animal models. The study provides hope for treating other rare diseases using precision treatments tailored to individual mutations.
New cyanine-carborane salts show promise in eradicating metastatic breast cancer tumors with minimal side effects. The therapy targets specific proteins in cancer cells, allowing for precise killing of diseased cells while sparing healthy tissue.
A preclinical study reveals that tumors drive clot formation by releasing chemokines, prompting immune cells to release small vesicles that attach to cell fragments, forming life-threatening clots. The findings may lead to diagnostic tests and safer therapies to target the root of blood clotting risk.
A team from Tokyo University of Science developed a novel trivalent platform for triple click chemistry, allowing for the efficient synthesis of complex compounds. The approach utilizes simple initial materials and promotes sustainable pharmaceutical synthesis.
Researchers discovered that mismatch repair genes are critical in eliciting damages to neurons vulnerable to Huntington's disease, triggering downstream pathologies and motor impairment. Targeting these genes may offer novel therapeutic approaches, including improving locomotor and gait deficits and reducing neuronal cell death.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant advancements in treating oligometastatic prostate cancer, advanced urothelial cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer. Personalized risk-based screening is also being explored as a tool to reduce cancer deaths.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University assessed target genes in canine hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to develop molecular targeted therapies. The study identified potential gene targets, including PDGFB, which may improve treatment options for unresectable HCC.
Researchers aim to identify key mechanisms and molecular targets to prevent tumor progression in Rhabdomyosarcoma patients. The study focuses on the TAK1 protein, which plays a significant role in regulating cell growth, and its potential inhibition as a therapeutic approach.
A recent study explores the connection between chronic inflammation and arrhythmia development, identifying potential therapeutic targets for preventing and treating AF. The research team discovered that interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) triggers atrial fibrillation by activating its receptors on macrophages.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered how a unique type of virus called a jumbo phage protects itself inside bacteria. The shield works via a set of secret handshakes that allow only useful proteins to pass through, giving the phage an advantage over regular phages when fighting infections.
Researchers at UCSF describe how to curb MYC levels by disrupting the protein assembly line controlled by RBM42. Disrupting RBM42 in pancreatic cancer cells stopped them from growing, suggesting drugs could be developed to do the same for other fast-growing cancers.
A new drug developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has shown significant promise in reversing memory loss in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The drug, GL-II-73, selectively targets GABA receptors to restore brain function and repair damaged neural connections.
A new study identified USP5 as an enzyme crucial for breaking down unneeded or damaged proteins in the heart. Low levels of USP5 lead to protein buildup, triggering dilated cardiomyopathy in animal models. Increasing USP5 levels helps clear protein 'junk', improving heart function and reducing disease progression.
PairMap overcomes limitations of traditional methods by introducing intermediate compounds to predict binding affinities with high accuracy. The approach minimizes calculation errors, improves convergence, and reduces computational costs for complex transformations.
Researchers at U of T have developed a new platform called smol-seq that uses DNA sequencing to detect metabolites. This method enables the analysis of hundreds of metabolites simultaneously, making it faster and more precise than current methods.
Researchers at King's College London have developed a complex model of molecular 'wear-and-tear' that sheds light on how proteins age. The study found that chromatin, the DNA-protein mix, is more resilient to aging than previously thought, suggesting new avenues for anti-aging treatments.
Researchers have identified a targeted therapy that could bring relief to people living with lichen planus, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The treatment, baricitinib, selectively blocks specific inflammatory pathways, reducing inflammation and suppressing the overactive immune response that contributes to the disease.
Daniel Armstrong, a renowned UTA chemist, has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Pittcon Analytical Chemistry Award for his pioneering work in analytical chemistry. His research focuses on developing new approaches to identify chiral disease biomarkers, peptide epimers, and isotopic compounds.
Researchers have identified ALPK2 as a potential therapeutic target for treating heart failure with preserved ejection function (HFpEF). The enzyme is believed to prevent stiff heart conditions through regulating the TPM1 gene. This discovery offers new hope for developing treatment options targeting ALPK2.
A team of researchers at Duke University has developed a novel AI-based platform that can design and match small peptides with complex proteins, previously considered unreachable. The PepPrCLIP platform utilizes generative large language models to create peptide guide proteins and an algorithm framework to screen and test the peptides.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed patient-derived organoid models to study uveal melanoma, a common type of eye cancer. These 3D models accurately represent the disease's genetic and biological characteristics, enabling better understanding and treatment development.
A global team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery of a new skeletal tissue called lipocartilage, composed of fat-filled cells that provide super-stable internal support. This unique tissue has immense potential for treating facial defects, birth injuries, and cartilage-related conditions.
The foundation has awarded eight recipients of the 2025 Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovation Award, including five early-career researchers with initial grants of $400,000 over two years. The awardees aim to develop novel cancer therapies using innovative approaches such as engineered skin bacteria and small molecule-boosted drug delivery.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified a specific brain circuit that appears to reduce anxiety without side effects. The study suggests a new target for treating anxiety disorders and demonstrates a general strategy for mapping drug effects on the brain.
A review of cell death and aging in cancer research reveals the significance of cellular senescence in promoting cancer growth. The study highlights the potential of various types of programmed cell death, such as necroptosis and pyroptosis, as therapeutic targets against senescent cells.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has issued a new procedure standard/practice guideline for the use of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) PET, outlining indications, imaging procedures, and quality control/quality assurance procedures. The guideline aims to deliver diagnostic efficacy and study quality for patients.
Researchers have discovered a complex mechanism that allows bacteria to build resistance to antibiotics, involving a KorB-KorA regulatory system. This finding offers a fresh insight into long-range gene silencing in bacteria and provides a potential target for novel therapeutics.
Researchers found that pomalidomide enhances key immune cells, such as T cells and natural killer cells, which helps the body recognize and destroy cancer cells. This leads to improved immune profiles in patients with myeloma, resulting in longer progression-free survival periods.
Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology found that fava bean protein nanofibrils alter the activity of receptor genes and interact with cell membranes, influencing texture perception. The study aims to develop sensorially appealing plant-based foods with improved texture.
Researchers have identified a key protein called Apex1 as a potential therapeutic target for stopping the immune system from attacking itself. By inhibiting this protein, harmful T cells that cause autoimmune diseases and allergies can be eliminated.
UCSF researchers identify a molecular timer controlling mouse birth timing, which could lead to new tests for human preterm labor risk and interventions. DNA packaging during pregnancy plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with KDM6B working as a 'timer' that winds down over time.
A new study published in Oncotarget discovered an anti-correlation between PD-1 and KLRG1 expression in human tumor infiltrating CD8 T cells. This finding suggests the potential for combination therapy to enhance cancer treatment by targeting both markers simultaneously, which could lead to more significant and long-lasting benefits.
Researchers used engineered small extracellular vesicles to target a death receptor on cancer cells, triggering self-destruction and killing multiple cancer types in lab-dish tests. The approach outperformed existing DR5-targeting strategies and showed promise in mouse models, suggesting potential for solid tumor cancers.
Insilico Medicine's AI-driven platform, PandaOmics, identifies two new therapeutic targets and a repurposed FDA-approved drug for treating endometriosis. The study reveals guanylate-binding protein 2 (GBP2) and hematopoietic cell kinase (HCK) as key proteins involved in the disease mechanism.
Researchers at Garvan Institute of Medical Research discovered how chronic hepatitis C infection leads to autoimmune disease by identifying 'rogue clone' B cells with harmful autoantibodies. The study found that a triad of genetic mutations is required for the autoimmune disease to develop, opening new paths for treatments.
A new study identifies three molecular clusters in women who develop type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes, pointing to potential precision-medicine approaches. The clusters are driven by pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, or a combination of both.
Researchers created new proteins using AI that bind to and neutralize deadly snake toxins, providing a safer alternative to traditional antivenoms. The study's results show an 80-100% survival rate in mice, offering potential benefits for people in developing countries.
Researchers at UVA have developed computer models to target specific bacteria in specific parts of the body, reducing the chance of antibiotic resistance. This approach could lead to more effective treatments and reduce the need for broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Critical Path Institute's Translational Therapeutics Accelerator (TRxA) is launching its 2025 global Request for Proposals to support academic researchers in bridging the 'valley of death' in drug development. The program aims to enable the transition of innovative therapeutics from lab to patients.
A new study reveals that delta opioid receptor agonist KNT-127 has a rapid and effective antidepressant effect with minimal side effects. The research highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying its action, including mTOR signaling pathways and Akt activation in the medial prefrontal cortex.
A new study identifies molecular mechanisms of the progression from gestational diabetes to type 2 diabetes, finding reduced levels of sphingolipids in blood and a mutation in gene CERS2 linked to risk. The discovery could lead to new therapies and interventions to reduce the risk of this progression.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Medical School have developed a COVID-19 vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs), which proved highly protective, safe, and versatile in animal trials. The vaccine can be easily updated to combat variants of concern without requiring an adjuvant.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a non-toxic coating that can reduce the flammability of cotton using a single step. The technology uses a polyelectrolyte complex coating and has been optimized for scalability and efficiency, making it suitable for industrial applications.
Researchers developed a new super-resolution microscopic method to investigate the interactions of therapeutic antibodies with target molecules on tumour cells. The study reveals that all four antibodies crosslink CD20 molecules independently of type I or II classification, and that B cells take on a hedgehog shape after treatment.
A new position paper from the International Osteoporosis Foundation and International Federation of Clinical Chemistry proposes a unified nomenclature for bone status indices to enhance diagnostic consistency and clarity. The guidelines offer a comprehensive framework to unify terminology and improve comparability across studies.
Researchers explore the role of efferocytosis in reducing inflammation and containing injury spread after an ischemic stroke. Efferocytosis may offer a promising therapeutic strategy to promote neural regeneration and minimize brain damage.
Researchers have identified a 177-gene signature common to metastasis across cancers, allowing for personalized risk assessment and potential therapies. The discovery could lead to broader treatment options, faster drug access, and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers discovered a key role for neutrophils in cancer cell colonization of abdominal fat through the release of DNA webs called NETs. Additionally, a new biomarker study found that dose-dense chemotherapy improved disease-free survival by 20% and overall survival by 15% for women with early-stage ER-positive breast cancer.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered an antibody-like molecule, E10, that can protect mice from various influenza viruses. The molecule targets a conserved part of the virus's surface protein shared across multiple influenza types, providing effective protection against seasonal epidemics.
Positive Phase 1 trial results suggest ISM5411's gut-restrictive property and favorable pharmacokinetic profile, validating its potential for treating inflammatory bowel disease. Insilico Medicine expects to initiate a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study in active ulcerative colitis patients.
A study suggests targeting endocan, a protein produced by endothelial cells in blood vessels, could slow tumor growth and make glioblastoma more vulnerable to existing treatments. The discovery may lead to new strategies to combat glioblastoma, which has an average lifespan of just 12-15 months.
CircRNAs regulate cellular events, modulate signaling pathways, and contribute to drug resistance. Monitoring their expression levels can help assess treatment response and predict clinical parameters.
Researchers found significant functional variations between rodent and human PD-1 due to evolutionary divergence. The study reveals a unique motif present in most mammals but missing in rodents, leading to uniquely weaker rodent PD-1.
A study published in Chinese Medical Journal explores the use of artificial intelligence to identify potential medications for treating glaucoma. Researchers used AI models to predict the effectiveness of small-molecule compounds targeting RIPK3, a key signaling molecule involved in programmed cell death.
Researchers at U of T have created SIMPL2, a platform that simplifies detection and improves accuracy of protein-protein interactions. The tool enables the rapid identification of protein interactions, including weak ones, for targeted drug therapies.
A groundbreaking study reveals lithium can restore brain function and alleviate behavioral symptoms in animal models of autism spectrum disorder caused by Dyrk1a gene mutations. Lithium normalizes brain size, restores neural structure and function, and improves social interaction and anxiety behaviors.