Articles tagged with Small Molecules
Scientists use chemical fingerprints to detect saffron fraud, revealing over 50% of 'Spanish' saffron is from other countries. The technique uses metabolomics to identify unique chemical markers for each type of saffron.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a small molecule that inhibits the function of 'disordered' protein p27, which may aid regeneration of sensory hair cells to combat hearing loss. The discovery raises broader hopes for drug development targeting disordered proteins in various diseases.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new technique for studying the interactions between small molecules and membrane proteins, allowing for precise control over binding kinetics. This breakthrough has broad implications for basic research and drug design, potentially reducing development time and cost.
A new study reveals that gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) fundamentally alters the samples it analyzes due to heat, affecting thousands of laboratories worldwide. The researchers used a data analysis platform to observe small molecules transforming and disappearing during an experiment meant to mimic the GC-MS process.
Scientists at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed SLAP technology, a small labeling pair that achieves high sensitivity and efficiency in single-molecule localization microscopy. The approach avoids mislocalization artifacts caused by large detection markers, enabling precise analysis of protein clusters and oligomeric states.
Researchers at Imperial College London have created a fluorescent molecule that can reveal the presence of quadruplexes in living cells. This breakthrough could be a game changer to accelerate research into these DNA structures and identify new compounds that can bind to them, potentially leading to new cancer treatments.
A team of scientists has discovered a method to produce valuable organic molecules from calcium carbide, a previously overlooked small molecule. The process eliminates the need for acetylene gas, a hazardous substance, and offers a safer, more sustainable alternative.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute will explore therapeutic potential of proteins regulating human health and associated diseases like Parkinson's and arthritis.
A multimillion-dollar research partnership at the University of Alberta is developing small molecules that can reactivate a patient's immune system to fight cancer. The team plans to have a 'lead structure' drug ready by the end of the second year, with the potential for human trials by 2020.
A team of scientists, led by Harvard University's David Liu, has developed an engineered form of the genome-editing protein Cas9 that can be turned on with a small drug-like molecule. This approach achieves up to 25-fold higher specificity in genome editing than the standard form of Cas9.
Scientists have developed a single automated process to synthesize 14 distinct classes of small molecules from common building blocks. The approach enables the production of thousands of potentially useful molecules with a single machine, revolutionizing drug discovery and technology development.
Researchers have developed a molecule-making machine that can assemble complex small molecules at the click of a mouse, automating a process previously done by highly trained chemists. This breakthrough has the potential to greatly speed up and enable new drug development and other technologies.
Researchers identify small molecules that program stem cells to target specific areas in the body. These compounds enable targeted delivery of stem cells to diseased or damaged tissue, reducing inflammation.
Researchers found a small molecule that can convert an enzyme to more effectively metabolize acetaldehyde, reducing cancer risk. The study uses mice with defective ALDH2 enzymes and finds that a small molecule named Alda-89 increases the activity of ALDH3A1, a related enzyme.
Researchers created novel, self-assembling nanoscale proteins capable of binding small molecules, resulting in fibers that crossed the diameter barrier to the microscale. This breakthrough advances tissue engineering and drug delivery, enabling potential applications for dual-purpose scaffolds and efficient drug delivery.
Scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center have developed a new method to generate mouse cells that can form bone and cartilage using small molecules. This approach offers great potential in the repair of bone defects through cartilage, with the ability to be scaled up for clinical purposes.
Researchers have discovered a small molecule that prevents necroptosis, a recently discovered cell death pathway linked to immune disorders. The compound 'jams the switch' on MLKL, a protein that triggers cell death, thereby preventing inflammation and promoting new treatments for inflammatory diseases.
Researchers develop a novel approach to synthesize molecules in diseased cells, targeting RNA repeats and demonstrating potent inhibitors for myotonic dystrophy. This breakthrough could lead to highly specific treatments for various debilitating diseases.
Scientists identify a molecule that blocks the effect of jasmonic acid, a plant hormone involved in flower formation, root growth and defence against herbivores. The discovery was made using a biological selection process involving intact plants.
Researchers developed small-molecule drug candidates that interfere with the synthesis of an abnormal protein, playing a key role in both diseases. The study also discovered biomarkers to test the efficacy of these therapies and found toxic proteins in spinal fluid that could become an enrollment tool in human clinical trials.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that thousands of polyene compounds can be built from just 12 different chemical building blocks. This breakthrough could accelerate the discovery and development of new medicines by making synthesis more efficient and cost-effective. The team's findings, published in Nature Chemistr...
Columbia researchers have developed a novel method to image small biomolecules, such as drugs and nucleic acids, in living cells without disturbing their functions. By using stimulated Raman scattering microscopy with alkyne tags, they can obtain high detection specificity and sensitivity.
Researchers at NUS created a highly sensitive fluorescence probe to detect Monoamine Oxidase B (MAO-B) activity, which is elevated in patients with Parkinson's disease. The probe can monitor the progression of the disease and has potential as a biomarker.
Researchers have discovered small molecules that attach to and disrupt the function of a KRAS-containing protein complex, potentially inhibiting cell growth and survival in cancer cells. These findings offer a new approach to targeting the common cancer protein KRAS.
Scientists aim to treat diseases by creating medicines that replace missing proteins, inspired by artificial limbs. A new platform simplifies the synthesis of small molecules, reducing production time from months or years to days.
Researchers have created a protein molecule that can be programmed to unite with three different steroids, opening up possibilities for biosensors, molecular sponges, and synthetic biology. The breakthrough could lead to detection of biomolecules in early-stage cancer and treatment of overdoses.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have developed a novel method to increase the potency of RNA treatments, resulting in a 2,500-fold improvement. The breakthrough enables precise targeting of disease-causing RNAs and could lead to more effective therapeutic agents.
Researchers from Scripps Florida Institute have identified small molecules that can control a genetic defect responsible for myotonic dystrophy, a progressive muscle-wasting disease. By activating these compounds, scientists can study the long-term impact of the disease and potentially develop new therapies.
Scientists at NIH report discovering a small molecule, natriuretic polypeptide b (Nppb), that streams ahead and selectively plugs into a specific nerve cell in the spinal cord, triggering the sensation of itch. In mice with Nppb-deficient neurons, itching was significantly reduced.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a small molecule that breaks up protein-RNA clusters causing muscular dystrophy, offering hope for treatment. The compound targets only the repeating RNA sequence, increasing regulatory activity and breaking up disease-causing clusters.
Researchers have developed a computer algorithm that can model and catalogue the entire set of lightweight, carbon-containing molecules that chemists could feasibly create in a lab. The map helps scientists identify unexplored regions of the chemical space where new compounds may hold solutions to some of the world's most vexing challe...
Researchers at RIKEN have identified a compound that could be used to prevent relapse in acute myeloid leukemia patients, particularly those with the FLT3-ITD mutation. The compound targets human primary AML stem cells and reduces AML cell counts in mouse models.
Two novel radiolabeled small molecules targeting PSMA have excellent potential for diagnosing and staging prostate cancer. The imaging agents showed a high sensitivity of lesion detection in bone, soft tissue, and the prostate gland.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found a way for small molecules to spontaneously grow into centimeter-long microtubes through self-assembly. The process involves the formation of vesicles that stick onto the surface of the tube, causing it to grow longer and wider.
Researchers at Scripps Florida have developed a new method to alter RNA function in living cells by designing molecules that recognize and disable disease-associated RNAs. This approach has the potential to treat genetic disorders such as myotonic dystrophy, which can cause muscle wasting and other symptoms.
Researchers discovered that microRNA-223 regulates the brain's response to oxygen deprivation and glutamate signals, offering a potential protective mechanism against stroke-induced brain damage. The molecule's broad regulatory effects raise questions about its therapeutic application.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a screening method to identify RNA targets and potential drug compounds. The new technology probes millions of RNA-ligand combinations, enabling the definition of RNA motifs and small molecules that bind to RNA.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified two small molecule chaperones that can stabilize the defective alpha-NAGAL enzyme, offering hope for developing the first drug treatment for Schindler/Kanzaki disease. These molecules, DGJ and DGJNAc, can increase the amount of functional enzyme in cells.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new class of organic materials that can be used for ferroelectricity, which could improve computer memory and sensing devices. The discovery could save $6 billion in electricity costs annually if used in cloud computing.
Researchers have discovered a compound that reversibly infertile men without affecting their sex drive, using the small molecule to target fertility proteins. The new form of birth control works by reducing sperm count and motility, making it an effective and novel strategy for male contraception.
A new direction in research for male contraceptives has been identified using the small molecule JQ1, which blocks chromatin remodeling necessary for sperm production. Studies show that mice treated with JQ1 have lower sperm counts and reduced sperm motility, paving the way for potential development of a male contraceptive pill.
Researchers found that only 0.1% of potential medicines have been synthesized, leaving billions of possibilities behind. Computer modeling can help identify promising molecules for new pharmaceuticals.
A Scripps Research Institute scientist has developed a novel method to design small molecule therapeutics targeting RNA, leveraging a bottom-up approach that uses information on RNA folds and internal loops. The successful designs have shown strong activity against myotonic dystrophy type 1, a common form of muscular dystrophy.
A Stanford study suggests a potential treatment for stroke by increasing the generation of new nerve cells in the brain. The compound, LM22A-4, was administered three days after a stroke and showed faster recovery of athletic ability in mice. This approach may be a more accessible alternative to stem-cell therapy.
Researchers designed a series of small molecules that target an RNA defect causing myotonic dystrophy type 1. These compounds improve biological defects in cell culture and animal models by more than 40 percent.
Researchers at Northwestern University identified nine core genes that protect cells from protein misfolding, a common cause of over 300 diseases. They also discovered seven classes of small molecules that restore proper protein folding and reduce disease progression.
Researchers at UMass Amherst discover a key interaction for treating Fabry disease using small molecule chaperones like galactose and DGJ. These molecules help stabilize the faulty alpha-galactosidase enzyme, reducing symptoms and toxicity.
Researchers at Addex Pharmaceuticals have discovered a novel interaction between GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which has the potential to trigger new therapies for Type 2 diabetes. The discovery was made possible by the company's allosteric modulation platform and could lead to the development of orally available small molecule treatments.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have created a new class of small molecules with the potential to serve as a rich foundation for drug discovery. The approach combines synthetic chemistry and advanced screening technologies, overcoming molecular limitations associated with current methods.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a family of small molecules that bind to the Ebola virus's outer protein coat and inhibit its entry into human cells. The findings demonstrate a potential breakthrough in preventing Ebola infection, with further studies planned to confirm efficacy.
Early data suggests molecular medicine can restore normal retina architecture and improve visual function in severe cases of macular degeneration. Researchers are now calling for larger human trials to validate the approach's reliability and safety.
A clinical trial testing RG7112 has shown clinical activity and effectiveness in some patients with leukemia, including one patient in complete remission. The study suggests a potential new way to fight certain types of cancer with fewer side effects.
Scientists create a synthetic structure that mimics the behavior of PCR enzymes, allowing for highly sensitive detection of small molecules. The new catalysts could lead to advancements in medical diagnostics, forensics, and environmental monitoring.
Researchers have identified Csy4 as the enzyme responsible for producing CRISPR-derived RNAs, which target and silence invading viruses and plasmids. The discovery sheds light on how microbes use CRISPR to acquire immunity from future invasions.
Researchers developed a two-step screening strategy to identify small molecules that bind to TrkB but not other related proteins. These compounds have shown promising therapeutic potential in treating neurodegenerative conditions by activating TrkB signaling and preventing neuronal degeneration.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified several small molecules that mimic the key protein BDNF, which plays a crucial role in memory and learning. The discovery could lead to new therapies for various brain disorders such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and depression.
Researchers solve the decade-old mystery of fragile human embryonic stem cells by discovering two novel synthetic small molecule drugs that promote cell survival. The team also unravels the mechanisms behind e-cadherin's role in cell signaling, providing a new understanding of stem cell biology and paving the way for potential therapies.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that small molecules could act as 'molecular midwives' to help polymers form and select base pairs in DNA. They discovered ethidium assists short oligonucleotides in forming long polymers and can also select the structure of base pairs.
A team of scientists from the University of Colorado has created a tiny RNA molecule that can catalyze protein synthesis, a crucial reaction for the building blocks of life. This breakthrough supports the 'RNA World' hypothesis, proposing that life on Earth evolved from early forms of RNA.
Researchers at Emerald BioStructures have developed new allosteric small molecule modulators of phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) with improved safety and efficacy. These discoveries validate the company's structure-based drug design capabilities for addressing previously undruggable targets in inflammatory diseases and cognitive impairments.