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UrduOptical tweezers manipulate tiny things like cells and nanoparticles using lasers. While they might sound like tractor beams from science fiction, the fact is their development garnered scientists a Nobel Prize in 2018.
Tag: Drug Targets
Hijacking our cells’ enzymes to eliminate disease-causing proteins
The researchers looked at a ubiquitin ligase enzyme named FBXL2, known to degrade proteins at various cellular membrane compartments. They found that by attaching or detaching a fat molecule or lipid to FBXL2 — a process called palmitoylation and de-palmitoylation — they could direct where the FBXL2 went. They also discovered that in order to travel in the aqueous cellular environment for the delivery of lipid-modified FBXL2 to membrane compartments, it used a trafficking protein called PDE6D, which is known to shield the lipid modifications.
Viruses of a feather
Helical nucleocapsids in infected cells are composed of Marburg viral genomic RNA and nucleoproteins, or NPs, that are structurally similar to those of the Ebola virus. Future drug development may be possible based on the targeting of nucleocapsid formation, which may inhibit the Marburg virus’ ability to replicate.
A Target for Potential Cancer Drugs May, In Fact, Worsen Disease
Researchers reveal a previously unrealized complexity in cancer development, one that raises concerns and caution about targeting an enzyme popular in oncological treatments.
Chatter Between Cell Populations Drives Progression of Gastrointestinal Tumors
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine identified new therapeutic targets for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) that could lead to new treatment options for patients.
FAU Scientists Receive $1.7 Million NIH Grant for Novel Neuroinflammation Study
Researchers have received a $1.7 million NIH grant for a novel project that is the first to investigate how the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) influences neurotransmission through a direct action on neurons and how this action triggers behavioral changes. They will establish nIL-1R1 as a crucial link that could convert neuroinflammation to neural dysfunction, providing a new pathogenic mechanism for anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. Results from this work could suggest new targets for the treatment of psychopathology.
Researchers Tackle the Flu with Breakthrough Virus Simulations
In a recent study, led by UC San Diego’s Rommie Amaro, researchers broke new ground with their molecular simulations in terms of size, complexity and methodological analyses of the viral envelope.