Articles tagged with Ligands
Researchers at the University of Illinois found a common nervous system receptor that inhibits its binding protein, leading to abnormal neuron growth and development. This unusual mechanism directs the formation of tens of thousands of neurons vital for odor detection.
Northeastern University researchers have discovered a novel method for studying the DNA binding of small molecules, which may aid in rational drug design targeting cancer and other diseases. The team used single DNA molecule stretching to investigate ethidium and ruthenium complexes, achieving unprecedented detail.
Researchers employ a module-based systems theory approach to explore the design principles of signal transduction and transport receptors. The study reveals that endocytosis and other receptor/ligand properties can be described by just a few control parameters, including avidity and consumption.
Researchers at NIAID have discovered a protein that appears to regulate bone mass loss, which is a key factor in osteoporosis. The study, conducted on patients with X-linked Hyper IgM Syndrome, found that the loss of this protein accelerates bone loss.
Researchers used NMR to detect higher energy structural sub-states of E. coli dihydrofolate reductase, finding that dynamic fluctuations channel the enzyme through its reaction cycle by minimizing energetic barriers. This challenges the traditional 'induced fit' hypothesis and highlights the importance of protein motion in catalysis.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a new gene called DAF-36 that converts cholesterol into the active ligands for the DAF-12 nuclear receptor. These ligands promote C. elegans reproductive capacity and prevent dauer diapause, a long-lived larval phase.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a novel gene therapy strategy that modifies the brain microenvironment to induce an effective immune response against deadly brain tumors and infections. The treatment uses Flt3 Ligand to recruit antigen-presenting cells, which can destroy tumors and combat brain infections.
A UT Southwestern researchers discovered a hormone-like molecule that aids in the development and reproduction of Caenorhabditis elegans, a common research worm. The molecule, called a ligand, acts like a key fitting into a lock, binding to a nuclear receptor that activates genes allowing the worm to develop normally.
A phase 2 trial evaluating denosumab, a RANK Ligand inhibitor, found the treatment increased BMD at the lumbar spine and total hip in postmenopausal women with low BMD. The therapy demonstrated rapid and sustained responses in bone metabolism.
Researchers found that denosumab significantly increased BMD at the total hip (3.6% vs. -0.6%) and lumbar spine (6.7% vs. -0.8%) in women administered the therapy twice yearly, with a rapid onset of action. The study also showed improvements in distal 1/3 radius and total body BMD.
University of Oregon chemist Jim Hutchison has developed a method to rapidly generate diverse libraries of functionalized gold particles with cores of 11 gold atoms. The new synthesis technique offers great promise for research and development at the nanoscale.
Scientists at the University of Arizona have created melanotropin-based drugs with improved properties that can selectively target specific receptors. These compounds show promise in treating various conditions, including cancer, sexual dysfunction, and eating disorders.
Researchers at Argonne National Lab have developed a new technique using WAXS to study ligand-induced structural changes in proteins, comparable to X-ray crystallography results but faster and cheaper. This method has the potential to identify lead drugs and analyze protein-ligand interactions more efficiently.
A study found that Concord grape juice increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and decreased inflammatory markers, including soluble CD40 ligand, in patients with coronary artery disease. The positive effects were attributed to the polyphenolic compounds in the grape juice.
A Phase 2 trial showed AMG 162 increased bone mineral density at the hip, spine, and total body by 4-7% compared to FOSAMAX®. The therapy was well-tolerated with a common adverse event of dyspepsia.
H. Steven Wiley and colleagues use systems biology to analyze the EGFR receptor network, revealing surprising complexities. They predict that lower-affinity ligands can bind longer, allowing for more effective cancer treatments.
Researchers at UMass developed a method to create robust capsules from nanometer-sized particles and make them water-soluble by shining light on them. The study also found that nanoparticles can be functionalized with tailored properties, such as luminescence, and that larger particles win in assembly competitions.
Researchers have discovered long-term potentiation, a brain process that strengthens connections and promotes memory. This process involves the rapid relocation of receptors in synapses, leading to increased synaptic transmission and potentially explaining why memory can falter.
Researchers found that light reacts with iron-bound siderophores, making iron more available to marine bacteria. This process has significant implications for the ocean's iron cycle and carbon sequestration.
Febrile reactions occur in around a third of platelet transfusions. Researchers propose that CD40 ligand release from platelets triggers the production of proinflammatory prostaglandin E2, leading to fever. Keeping CD40 ligand levels low before transfusion might reduce adverse events.
PhD researcher Jason Todd earned a patent for his research on a new, low-cost material for purifying proteins using chitosan beads. The technology has been licensed to LigoChem Inc., allowing them to purify antibodies at a lower cost.
Scientists from Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated have discovered two novel non-steroidal progestin compounds, (S)-LG120746 and (S)-LG120747, that selectively stimulate tissues within the body. These compounds demonstrate a protective activity in the uterus without concomitant stimulation of breast-cell growth.
Protein binding events control many biological processes; removing water from binding sites provides energy that drives reactions. Duke researchers used a supersensitive instrument to measure minute temperature changes in normal and heavy water to separate protein-water interactions from ligand-water interactions.