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The key to attacking “undruggable” proteins: IRB Barcelona reveals a breakthrough drug mechanism

A study published in Science Advances reveals a mechanism to bind to intrinsically disordered proteins, providing a new approach for therapeutic design. The research, led by Dr. Xavier Salvatella, shows that these proteins adopt more organized conformations when clustering, allowing for selective binding by a drug.

Biologists transform gut bacteria into tiny protein pharmacies

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a method to convert gut bacteria into mini protein factories that produce and release sustained flows of targeted proteins within the lower intestine. This approach eliminates a major roadblock in delivering drugs to this part of the body, offering potential treatment for chronic diseases.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature·DateFeb 18, 2025

A “chemical ChatGPT” for new medications

A team of researchers from the University of Bonn has trained a chemical language model to predict potential active ingredients with special properties. The AI was able to reproduce the chemical structures of compounds with known dual-target activity, which may be effective in treating various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateOct 23, 2024

AI can speed up drug development

Researchers at Uppsala University used AI to predict the three-dimensional structure of a receptor, identifying molecules that bind to it with higher accuracy than traditional methods. This breakthrough accelerates the development of new drugs for mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and depression.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 22, 2024

Targeted protein degradation: new adapter molecule expands therapeutic potential around the cell's waste disposal system

A new adapter molecule recruits a previously unknown E3 ligase for targeted protein degradation, expanding therapeutic options for cancer and rare diseases. The discovery offers advantages in development due to the molecule's smaller size and potential for tissue-specific application.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

Toronto researchers devise new way to find proteins for targeted treatment of disease

Researchers at the University of Toronto and Sinai Health have created a new platform to identify proteins that can be co-opted to control the stability of other proteins. The study identified over 600 new effector proteins that could be used therapeutically, including those that can efficiently degrade or stabilize target proteins.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2024

Can't un-cook an egg

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a new reactant demonstrating efficacy on proteins with drug-resistant mutations. The new inhibitor, ArNASA, reacts with lysine residues and is highly stable in physiological environments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJACS·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Applications of macrocyclic molecules in cancer therapy: Target cancer development or overcome drug resistance

Researchers have identified macrocyclic compounds as a potential solution for targeting proteins critical to tumorigenesis, blocking nearly 80% of cancer's signature characteristic events. Additionally, these small compact molecules can effectively overcome drug resistance by binding to mutant proteins and inhibiting their activities.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm – Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 29, 2023

‘Plug and play’ nanoparticles could make it easier to tackle various biological targets

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have created modular nanoparticles that can be tailored for various applications, including targeted drug delivery and neutralizing biological agents. By leveraging a plug-and-play approach, scientists can rapidly modify functional biological nanoparticles with ease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 30, 2023

"Radar" detects active cellular destroyers

A team of scientists has developed a method to detect active Cullin-RING ligases (CRLs), which are responsible for destroying unwanted proteins in cells. The new technology, called a molecular radar, reveals which CRLs are deployed to address cellular stresses and perform the actions of some anti-cancer drugs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

CycPeptMPDB: A database aimed at promoting drug design using cyclic peptides

A novel database, CycPeptMPDB, has been created to facilitate the development of drugs based on cyclic peptides. The database contains information on thousands of cyclic peptides and their membrane permeability values, enabling researchers to select candidate peptides that can penetrate human cell membranes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 5, 2023

Seer researchers find undiscovered links between lung cancer and multiple distinct protein variants via deep, unbiased proteomics analysis

Seer researchers identified four structurally distinct protein isoforms that were differentially expressed in non-small cell lung cancer patients. These findings suggest that these protein isoforms may play a role in NSCLC disease pathogenesis, potentially leading to the development of new diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets.

SourceConsort Partners·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Addition of antioxidants to cell cultures can enhance the production of monoclonal antibodies, promising therapeutics for a range of health conditions

The addition of antioxidants to cell cultures can improve the production of monoclonal antibodies by reducing oxidative stress and increasing cell viability. This has potential benefits for therapies targeting cancer and autoimmune diseases.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Finding the answers hidden in our antibodies

A new serological test, PepSeq, allows scientists to quickly test antibody binding against hundreds of thousands of protein targets, helping prepare for and respond to pandemics. The technology identifies specific antibodies that provide protection against infection, holding promise for developing effective vaccines and treatments.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalNature Protocols·DateNov 30, 2022

RNA-editing tool a fast, sensitive test for COVID-19

Researchers developed an engineered Cas13 system that detects SARS-CoV-2 in biological samples with high sensitivity and speed. The new platform outperforms traditional PCR testing, finding 10 out of 11 positives and no false positives in clinical samples.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

New insights into the mechanisms behind Crohn’s disease point to potential therapeutic target

A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers suggests that certain anti-cancer drugs may target a key player in Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. The study found that mutations in a specific chromatin reader, SP140, are associated with an increased risk of immune diseases like Crohn's.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

CNIC scientists uncover opposing roles of p38 proteins in cardiac hypertrophy

A study by CNIC scientists has identified a key role for the MKK3/6–p38γ/δ signaling pathway in cardiac hypertrophy. Inhibition of p38α promotes an unexpected activation of the other branch of the pathway, consisting of the proteins MKK3, p38γ, and p38δ. This activation induces another key pathway in cardiac hypertrophy, the mTOR pathway.

Improving outcomes for injured soldiers

University of Cincinnati researchers are studying whether targeting an inflammation pathway can improve patient results for soldiers with burn injuries combined with traumatic brain injuries. The research focuses on a specific protein that causes inflammation, which can lead to complications such as anemia and death.

Increased heart disease risk from red meat may stem from gut microbe response to digestion

Research suggests that chemicals produced by gut microbes after eating red meat may contribute to cardiovascular disease. The study found a 22% higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease associated with increased red meat consumption, which was partly attributed to elevated levels of TMAO and related metabolites in the blood.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateAug 1, 2022

Scientists find molecular clues behind acute and chronic phases of traumatic brain injury

Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered molecular signatures associated with acute and chronic phases of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study aims to address current limitations in TBI diagnosis and treatment by identifying biomarkers and understanding the blood-brain barrier's role in drug delivery.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2022