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Discovery of natural compounds that could slow blood vessel growth

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have identified over 100 human protein fragments that can slow or stop the growth of cells making up new blood vessels. These compounds, known as antiangiogenesis peptides, could lead to treatments for diseases such as cancer, macular degeneration, and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2008

Pressured proteins: A little pressure in proteomics squeezes 4-hour step into a minute

Researchers found that adding pressure early in their protocol dramatically speeds up proteomic analysis, reducing the time-consuming first step from four hours to just one minute. This breakthrough increases the number of samples that can be analyzed, with the pressure method generating about 10% more unique peptides.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJul 9, 2008

Blood pressure enzyme can have tumor-sensing role

Researchers found that increasing production of angiotensin-converting enzyme in macrophages enhances the immune system's ability to sense and respond to tumors. This discovery suggests a strategy for amplifying immune system function in humans, potentially enhancing cancer patients' ability to resist tumor growth.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 7, 2008

Synthetic peptoids hold forth promise for new antibiotics

Researchers at Stanford University have identified synthetic peptoids as a potential new class of antibiotics, which could overcome the limitations of natural peptides. These manmade molecules show promise in treating bacterial infections, including diabetic foot ulcers, with minimal harm to human cells.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2008

A hairpin to fight HIV

Researchers developed a hairpin-shaped molecule that imitates the spatial structure of an important viral protein, preventing the discharge of viral RNA from the cell nucleus. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a new class of HIV treatment drugs.

SourceWiley·DateNov 2, 2007

Modeling pathogen responses

A new study by David Heckerman and colleagues developed a statistical framework to model HLA-dependent T cell response data. The approach identified 12 correct predictions out of 16, providing significant implications for understanding and developing an HIV vaccine.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 11, 2007

Potent peptides inhibit HIV entry into cells

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed new peptides that inhibit HIV entry into cells, with up to a 40,000-fold improved antiviral potency over previously reported D-peptides. These peptides resist degradation, making them suitable for oral administration and potentially reducing drug resistance.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2007

A possible route to preventing Alzheimer's cognitive decline?

A study published in Neuron found a link between the toxic brain protein Aâ peptide and neuronal overexcitation, leading to compensatory rewiring of brain circuitry. This overexcitation can contribute to cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease. Researchers suggest blocking this overexcitation may prevent such neurological deficits.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateSep 5, 2007

Insulin -- in need of some restraint?

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that knocking out the urocortin 3 gene protects mice against high-fat diet's harmful effects by reducing insulin production. This study suggests a new peptide plays a role in insulin secretion, offering potential therapeutic benefits for treating type 2 diabetes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2007

Researchers find 'zip code' spurs cargo transport in neurons

Researchers at Brown University have identified a peptide that can spur cargo transport in nerve cells, shedding light on the complex intracellular transport system inside nerve cells. The discovery could help scientists better understand nerve cell function and test possible therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2006

Form determines function

A team of researchers has produced cyclopeptides that imitate the HNK-1 carbohydrate from human natural killer cells, stimulating axon growth in motor neuron cell cultures. These glycomimetics could be a promising starting point for developing treatments for spinal cord injuries.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 14, 2006

JCI table of contents: May 4, 2006

Research reveals a previously unknown role for histamine receptors in asthma, suggesting that blocking these receptors could alleviate symptoms. Additionally, a novel peptide inhibitor has been discovered to prevent bone loss in osteoporosis by targeting the RANK/TNF pathway.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 4, 2006