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RNA-targeted drug candidate for Lou Gehrig's disease found

Researchers have identified a small molecule capable of interrupting the disease process in cells carrying the C9ORF72 gene, a variant associated with ALS and FTD. The compound selectively targets abnormal RNA molecules, reducing their accumulation and potentially serving as a biomarker for clinical trials.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 14, 2014

Hitting moving RNA drug targets

Researchers at University of Michigan developed a new way to search for drugs that target RNA, a molecule essential to retroviruses like HIV. They successfully predicted the binding of six new small molecules to HIV's genetic material and demonstrated their efficacy in inhibiting viral replication.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 26, 2011

Small molecule inhibits pathology associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1

Researchers at the University of Illinois have designed a small molecule that blocks an aberrant pathway associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1. The new compound, Ligand 1, binds tightly to its target, preventing the MBNL protein from binding to RNA and easing symptoms of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2009

Viruses are sneakier than we thought

Researchers found that Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus uses polyadenylation to block normal gene expression in cells. The virus' SOX protein aberrantly lengthens mRNA poly(A) tails, sending a signal to the cell that its messages are wrong and holding them back.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 26, 2009

Researchers develop new way to see single RNA molecules inside living cells

Biomedical engineers have developed a new probe that allows visualization of single RNA molecules within live cells, enabling scientists to study RNA's operation and interaction with binding proteins. The tool overcomes issues with fluorescent probes, allowing for hours-long imaging and distinguishing between targeted and unbound probes.

Unicellular microRNA discovery

The discovery of microRNAs in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii expands our understanding of small RNA regulation and challenges existing dogma. The researchers found functional characteristics between plant and animal miRNAs, suggesting a potential role in regulating sexual reproduction.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 29, 2007

Rules to target RNA are focus of research

A University at Buffalo medicinal chemist is working to develop rules for targeting RNA, which could lead to the design of efficient compounds to inhibit specific RNA sequences. This approach has the potential to treat diseases such as cancer and genetic disorders, offering a more targeted alternative to DNA-based treatments.

UCSF study reveals mechanism of telomerase enzyme that could lead to target for cancer therapy, cell regeneration

Researchers at UCSF have discovered a region in the telomerase enzyme that could be targeted to kill cancer cells and regenerate damaged cells. The discovery provides new insights into the mechanism of telomerase and its potential as a therapeutic target, as well as its role in regulating cell life span.

Chemist Turns To Self-Assembly To Create New Drugs

Chemist Benjamin Miller has devised a way to create new drugs by using metal atoms to assemble countless combinations of molecules, then selecting the best candidates through a Darwinian process. This method shifts the burden of tedious drug development work off technicians' shoulders, offering a faster and more efficient approach.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalTetrahedron Letters·DateFeb 26, 1998

Scientists Create Hepatitis Infection

Researchers successfully infect chimpanzees with a defined HCV sequence, identifying essential elements for infection and paving the way for the development of better treatments. The availability of this infectious sequence will enable precise studies of HCV replication and inform the creation of effective vaccines or immunotherapies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateJul 24, 1997