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New tool, RODEO, promises to capture the breadth of microbial biosynthetic potential

Researchers developed software RODEO to identify clusters of genes indicating an organism's ability to synthesize therapeutically promising molecules. The tool uses machine learning approach to recognize predictive genomic features and has been successfully applied to a class of molecules called lasso peptides.

Pregnancy-specific β1-glycoproteins

PSGs are recognized as trophoblast quality and embryo viability markers, with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory functions. The discovery of PSG receptors and interactions with integrins suggests new avenues for drug design and therapeutic intervention.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Medicinal Chemistry·DateFeb 27, 2017

80-million-year-old dinosaur collagen confirmed

Scientists from North Carolina State University have successfully isolated and sequenced additional collagen peptides from an 80-million-year-old Brachylophosaurus specimen, lending further support to the idea that organic molecules can persist in fossils for tens of millions of years. The study demonstrates that peptide sequences can ...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJan 23, 2017

The secret slimming effect of sweet potato waste

A new study found that sweet potato peptide, produced from the water wasted during processing, helps reduce body weight and fat levels in mice fed high-fat diets. The peptide activates appetite suppression and controls lipid metabolism, suggesting a potential slimming effect.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateDec 7, 2016

MAO is a possible Alzheimer's disease biomarker

A study published in ACS Central Science reveals that MAO activity increases with Aβ plaque formation in patients with Alzheimer's, suggesting it could serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring. The research also identified three distinct phases of MAO activity that change along with disease progression.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateDec 7, 2016

NP predischarge thresholds associated with reduced ADHF mortality, readmission

A systematic review found that achieving brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) predischarge thresholds is associated with reduced mortality and readmission in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure. The evidence was low-strength, but the studies consistently showed ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 28, 2016

Long-term experience supports efficacy and safety of PRRT for treating neuroendocrine tumors

Long-term clinical data supports the efficacy of PRRT in treating neuroendocrine tumors, improving tumor response rates and progression-free survival. To minimize toxicity, steps such as timing of therapy, patient selection criteria, dose optimization, and adequate monitoring can be taken.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals·DateOct 14, 2016

Alzheimer fibrils at atomic resolution

A European and US research team has successfully determined the structure of the most disease-relevant beta-amyloid peptide 1–42 fibrils at atomic resolution. The findings simplify the targeted search for drugs to treat Alzheimer's dementia, offering hope for a potential cure in the next decade.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2016

Cyclic opioid peptides

Researchers explore cyclic opioid peptides with constrained topographical structure, offering improved affinities and selectivities at target receptors. The benefits of cyclization have been enhanced through the generation of polycyclic peptides, promoting increased stability and therapeutic potential for novel therapeutics.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Medicinal Chemistry·DateJul 13, 2016

New technology could deliver drugs to brain injuries

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have discovered a peptide sequence that can carry molecules and nanoparticles to acutely damaged areas of the brain, providing a new means of delivering therapeutics for traumatic brain injuries. This technology has the potential to minimize the effects of secondary injur...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2016

The deadly toxin acrolein has a useful biological role

Researchers at RIKEN discovered that acrolein can combine with polyamines to form substances that prevent the aggregation of amyloid-beta peptides, a process linked to Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that acrolein may have an anti-fibrillation effect, potentially influencing the progression of neurological disorders.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJun 1, 2016

Soy shows promise as natural anti-microbial agent: Study

Researchers at University of Guelph found that soy isoflavones and peptides can effectively inhibit the growth of certain bacterial pathogens, including Listeria and Pseudomonas. This natural alternative could benefit the food industry by reducing reliance on synthetic additives and addressing growing concerns about antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalBiochemistry and Biophysics Reports·DateApr 25, 2016

Turn off the Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University discovered the key trigger of Alzheimer's disease development, involving zinc ions and peptide aggregation. They propose a mechanism for transforming healthy peptides into toxic ones, paving the way for new medicine to block beta-amyloid peptide aggregation.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 10, 2016

Tarantula toxins converted to painkillers

Researchers convert tarantula toxins into painkillers by targeting neural receptors, providing an alternative to current treatments with limited pain relief and side effects. The study reveals the importance of cell membranes in peptide toxin activity and opens opportunities for designing new drugs.

SourceBiophysical Society·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 28, 2016