A study led by LSU Health found how late-onset retinal degeneration develops and identified a surprising potential therapeutic, metformin. The research suggests that an enzyme called AMPK activates the protein CTRP5 to regulate fatty acid metabolism and energy stability.
Research reveals tamoxifen boosts PI3K signaling, potentially increasing uterine cancer risk in breast cancer patients. Preclinical studies show PI3K inhibitor alpelisib mitigates this effect.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have made a breakthrough in reversing memory deficits and slowing disease progression in female mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that activating a specific receptor was effective in treating females, who make up two-thirds of diagnosed cases.
A study by Veronika Somoza's team found that gallic acid stimulates gastric cells to secrete acid via the bitter receptor TAS2R4. The plant substance affects acid secretion regardless of whether it is added to water or red wine. This discovery provides new insights into the functions of bitter receptors in food ingredients.
A team of international researchers has unraveled the inner workings of C5aR2, a key receptor involved in inflammation and COVID-19. The study provides an additional opportunity for therapeutic targeting with new drug molecules to block its activation and inflammation response.
Scientists have elucidated and visualized the 3D molecular structure of the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), a crucial component of appetite regulation. The study's findings provide insights into the protein's interaction with hormones and potential targets for drug interventions to treat severe obesity.
A new preclinical study validates the spleen's role in cardiac healing and suggests targeting S1P as a potential treatment for heart failure. The study discovered interactions between S1P and the heart during transition from acute to chronic heart failure.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have found that TNF receptor activation requires receptor clustering, but smaller clusters with higher density activate receptors better than larger ones. This discovery could guide future development of therapeutic antibodies targeting TNF receptors.
Researchers at Université de Genève and University of Basel study the structure of cellular receptors and molecules that activate immune cells. They discovered a 'lock and key' mechanism involving specific amino acids in chemokine structures, allowing for fine-tuning of immune system activation.
New study reveals that the location of beta1 and beta2 receptors on heart muscle cells determines their functional effects, with beta1 receptors triggering persistent changes and gene activation. This knowledge could lead to more targeted therapies for chronic heart failure.
Pridopidine's neuroprotective effects are supported by new research that elucidates its mechanisms through activation of the Sigma-1 Receptor (S1R). The study highlights pridopidine's therapeutic potential and provides data supporting the role of S1R in neurodegenerative diseases.
A multinational team discovered at least two inactive and three active conformations of the human adenosine A2A receptor, dependent on ligands and G protein interactions. The study sheds new light on GPCR activation and signaling, offering opportunities for drug discovery.
Researchers identified genes overexpressed in mouse models of arthritis, showing that TARM1 suppresses immune system response and collagen-induced arthritis. TARM1 inhibition weakens autoimmune arthritis, suggesting a new treatment target for autoimmune diseases.
Approximately 4% of the population naturally lack the activation receptor NKG2C due to a genetic variation. This absence is associated with an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19, particularly in intensive care unit patients.
Giant pandas roll in horse manure to acclimatize to cold temperatures, with beta-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide playing a crucial role. The compounds inhibit the pandas' thermosensitive receptor pathway, leading to increased cold tolerance.
Researchers have uncovered how plant immune receptors convert from inactive to active complexes that break down NAD+, initiating defense signaling. The study found that a tetramer composed of four receptor molecules creates a unique surface necessary for NAD+ cleavage, a critical step in plant immunity.
Researchers found that serotonin can stimulate the production of basal progenitor cells in the fetal human brain, potentially contributing to the evolutionary expansion of the neocortex. This new function of serotonin may help explain the development of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.
A new treatment method for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) has been patented by East Carolina University associate professor Stefan Clemens. The method targets the increased D1 receptor levels in RLS patients suffering from augmentation, leading to reduced activation and improved long-term efficacy.
A recent study published in iScience found that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) suppressed inflammation in the colon, preventing the onset of cancers caused by a carcinogen. THC treatment also prevented the development of colon cancers in mice.
Researchers at Kumamoto University found that activation of PPARα, a fatty acid receptor, causes masculinization of Japanese rice fish. The discovery may lead to improved fish farming techniques by controlling sex differentiation.
Researchers at Marshall University found that green apple vape flavor enhances nicotine reward by promoting high-sensitivity nAChRs. This could lead to heightened drug-seeking behavior and addiction risk, particularly among adolescents.
Research in mice found that a common green apple vape flavor, farnesene, enhances nicotine reward and is also rewarding on its own. Farnesene partially activated nicotinic receptors and increased high-sensitivity receptors, potentially heightening reward and drug-seeking behavior.
Researchers from EPFL have solved the high-resolution structure of an activated form of a dopamine receptor in a native lipid membrane environment. By combining computational allosteric and de novo protein design approaches, they created a highly stable but activated receptor whose structure could be studied and solved.
Researchers at LMU have discovered that inhibition of a specific enzyme can effectively prevent heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a potentially life-threatening condition. The study shows that Btk inhibitors can block platelet activation and prevent the formation of harmful clots, offering a new promising therapeutic option for t...
SIRT6, a longevity protein, plays a crucial role in burning and regulating liver fat metabolism. By activating PPAR-alpha, it promotes fat burning and protects against fatty liver and obesity-related damage.
Researchers discovered a scorpion toxin that targets the 'wasabi receptor', a protein found in nerve cells responsible for pain and inflammation. The toxin, WaTx, can be used to probe and study chronic pain and may lead to new non-opioid pain relievers.
Researchers identified a potential new therapeutic target for sepsis by uncovering a pathway involving Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that could suppress the inflammatory response. This discovery offers a promising approach to treating sepsis, which can lead to organ failure and death if not recognized early.
A recent study from the Monell Center sheds light on individual differences in odor perception, finding that small changes in olfactory receptor genes can significantly impact how strong and pleasant an odor is. The research used high-throughput sequencing technology to identify genetic variations affecting odor perception.
Scientists have developed a model that explains how the nose adapts to smells by efficiently coding patterns across receptor types, which could aid research into age-related declines in sense of smell. The study's findings contribute to understanding how the mammalian nose senses and processes smells.
A metabolite from pomegranate diet, Urolithin A, and its synthetic analog mitigate IBD by increasing proteins that tighten epithelial cell junctions in the gut. These compounds reduce inflammation and restore gut barrier integrity.
The ESRF cryo-electron microscope has achieved significant results in its first year, publishing research on the 5-HT3 serotonin receptor. The study revealed the receptor's activation cycle and binding pockets, providing crucial information for developing antinausea drugs.
A recent study from Prof. Gaiti Hasan's lab has identified the FMRFa receptor as a crucial molecule in sustaining flight in fruit flies for long periods of time. The receptor is part of a class of proteins known as GPCRs, which help convert extracellular messages into cellular responses.
Researchers found that estrogen receptor modulators increase the effectiveness of HIV latency reversal therapies. Exposure to estrogen limits the emergence of HIV from latency, suggesting a potential factor in future eradication therapies.
Researchers used computer modeling to study aspirin-receptor interactions and found that low-dose aspirin treatment activated PPAR-alpha in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. This activation improved hippocampal plasticity and memory, suggesting the therapeutic potential of aspirin in dementia-related illnesses.
Researchers discovered that activating GPR139 reduces alcohol intake and restores pain sensitivity thresholds in alcohol-dependent mice. This finding suggests a potential new approach for treating alcohol use disorder.
An international team has identified potential biomarkers for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disease affecting one in six people. The study found that IBS-specific proteins and proteases play a key role in triggering nerve activation, providing new evidence for organic causes of the disease.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have characterized a complex receptor type that activates hunger suppression when activated. The discovery provides a crucial milestone in developing small-molecule therapeutics to treat obesity.
A study published in Immunity reveals that the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-23's pro-inflammatory activity critically depends on structural activation of the cytokine by its receptor, IL-23R. The findings provide new insights into autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease.
Scientists at SIMM have determined the crystal structure of the human glucagon receptor in complex with a glucagon analogue, providing insights into its activation mechanism. The study reveals significant conformational changes in the linker region and extracellular loop that facilitate peptide binding and initiate receptor activation.
Researchers found that broccoli's indole glucosinolates can activate the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the intestinal lining, maintaining a healthy balance in gut flora and immune surveillance. This may help prevent diseases like various cancers and Crohn's Disease caused by inflammation.
A Penn State researcher has received a $7.3 million grant to investigate the Ah receptor's impact on immune function and epithelial barrier integrity. The study aims to understand how activating the receptor enhances or disrupts the immune response in different tissues, with potential implications for diseases such as colon cancer.
UNC School of Medicine scientists pinpoint MRGRPX2, a receptor protein on mast cells, as the key to understanding opioid-induced itching. The researchers created a chemical probe to interact with this receptor, potentially leading to the development of an antagonist to reduce itching side effects.
A new study published in Cell Reports explains how a blood pressure hormone system can promote obesity. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) controls energy balance and metabolic rate, with elevated brain RAS increasing energy expenditure and weight loss, while peripheral RAS suppressing resting metabolism and increasing weight gain.
Researchers discovered that CD69 plays a key role in the development of psoriasis by regulating amino acid uptake and activation of inflammatory pathways. The study suggests that CD69 could serve as a future therapeutic target for treating this chronic inflammatory skin disease.
A pain medicine has been shown to preserve vision in a model of severe retinal degeneration by activating a receptor vital to a healthy retina. The drug (+)-pentazocine enables the survival of cone cells, allowing detailed color vision to remain intact.
Researchers obtained images of the NMDA receptor in active, non-active, and inhibited states using x-ray crystallography and single-particle electron cryomicroscopy. The study reveals the complex movements of the receptor's subdomains during activation and provides insights into designing novel therapeutic compounds.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method for receptor activation using red light, which can penetrate deep tissues and activate signal pathways involved in cell division. The approach has potential for treating diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer, Parkinson, and diabetes.
Olfactory receptors in human blood cells have been found to be activated by the Sandalore odorant, inhibiting the growth of leukemia cells and promoting red blood cell formation. This discovery could provide a new starting point for developing leukaemia treatments.
A new study reveals that the β-1 adrenergic receptor and RAGE work together to cause myocardial injury and progression to cardiomyopathy. Blocking RAGE signaling after β-adrenergic agonist-induced heart failure mitigates cell death and restores cardiac function.
Researchers at TSRI have discovered the dynamics of β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR), a protein linked to asthma, obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study found that β2AR naturally fluctuates between its active and inactive states in the absence of any drug, and different drugs can either stimulate or inhibit signaling.
Scientists have elucidated a molecular mechanism that contributes to the 'cocktail effect' of endocrine disruptors when combined. The study shows that certain compounds bind cooperatively to a receptor in the cell nucleus, inducing a toxic effect at lower concentrations than individual molecules.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that Hedione, a magnolia scent molecule, activates the human pheromone receptor VN1R1, triggering sex-specific brain activities. This effect differs from traditional olfactory perception and may be related to the release of sex hormones.
Araim Pharmaceuticals' ARA 290 peptide shows clinically significant pain reduction and improved metabolic control in type 2 diabetics. The novel agent is engineered to activate the innate repair receptor, which turns off inflammation and turns on the body's natural repair system.
A study found that mice lacking CXCR3 had reduced beta-amyloid plaque formation and attenuated behavioral deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that activating the CXCR3 receptor could be an effective approach to treating AD.
Research reveals the sequential expression of these factors after fluid percussion injury, suggesting a mechanism underlying hippocampal neuronal injury after TBI. The study provides new insights into the occurrence and development of hippocampal neuronal injury.
A new class of anti-arthritic drugs, DTrp, has been shown to effectively treat both arthritic joint inflammation and periodontitis without exacerbating other conditions. This finding offers a promising alternative to existing medications with unwanted side effects.
Infectious disease specialists at Johns Hopkins Children's Center identified a protein called NOD2 that regulates the body's immune response to CMV. The findings offer a new explanation for severe CMV infections in patients with Crohn's disease and may lead to vaccine development.
Researchers found that epigenetic alterations play a crucial role in disrupting intestinal T cell homeostasis, leading to autoimmune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease. A novel conditionally immortalized human β cell line has also been developed, offering new avenues for studying β cell properties and proliferation.
Researchers found that fiber activates Gpr109a receptors, which reduce inflammation in the colon and prevent cancer. Mega-doses of niacin may also help protect the colon and prevent conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Researchers have identified a natural defence mechanism in the brain that prevents cannabis' harmful effects, opening doors to new treatment options for addiction. Pregnenolone, a hormone produced by the brain, blocks the activation of CB1 receptors, reducing intoxication's effects.