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Gene expression pattern predicts multiple drug resistance

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovery of genetic links to multi-drug resistance gives clinicians new insight into the cause of treatment failure and suggests targets for novel anti-leukemic drugs

19 Apr 2005

Researchers determine structure of binding site of colon-cancer drug Erbitux and its protein target

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have determined the precise molecular details of how Erbitux, a recently approved colorectal cancer drug, binds to its target on cancer cells. Knowing this chemical configuration will lead to better drug design for this family of cancer medications.

19 Apr 2005

Scientists reveal the shape of a protein that helps retroviruses break into cells

Retroviruses are among the trickier and more malicious disease agents, causing AIDS and cancers such as leukemia. The viruses manage to sneak into cells with the help of special protein assemblies scattered all over their surfaces. These retrovirus surface proteins cause the membrane envelope of the virus to fuse with the membrane of the cell, spilling virus RNA into the cell to wreak damage.

13 Apr 2005

Researchers show why mutations in a certain few genes, such as the p53 tumor suppressor gene, are found in different cancers

Scientists have identified some of the first genetic triggers for cancer as mutations in specific oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Full-blown tumors and metastatic cancers, however, often exhibit many genetic mutations, sometimes dozens in a given tumor. An important scientific question, and one with significant clinical implications, has been what happens after the initial mutation that leads to dangerous later-stage cancers with multiple damaged genes.

13 Apr 2005

Common genetic mutation that increases the risk of inheriting Hirschsprung disease

Gene hunters at Johns Hopkins have discovered a common genetic mutation that increases the risk of inheriting a particular birth defect not by the usual route of disrupting the gene's protein-making instructions, but by altering a regulatory region of the gene. Although the condition, called Hirschsprung disease, is rare, its complex genetics mimics that of more common diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.

13 Apr 2005

Scientists identifiy protein that seems to control the malignant features of brain tumor cells

Scientists from Wake Forest University School of Medicine have identified a protein that seems to control the malignant features of brain tumor cells, suggesting a new treatment target for anti-cancer drugs. The research is reported in the current issue of Molecular Cancer Research.

13 Apr 2005

Statins used before or after strokes improve outcomes

New research into the use of statins before or after a stroke has shown that a patients recovery after an ischemic stroke can be improved.

12 Apr 2005

Chemical library aids in developing drug system for nerve damage

A researcher studying drug design for nerve damage therapies has gotten her answer to questions by following some old advice: she used the library.

12 Apr 2005

Researchers and drug giant team up to find cure for CJD

The Medical Research Council's Prion Unit, based at University College London, a leading British research group, is joining forces with drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to develop a cure for the disease Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD).

12 Apr 2005

New findings about insulin-signaling in the liver could prove useful in understanding type 2 diabetes

A collaborative effort led by The Burnham Institute's Gen-Sheng Feng has created a mouse with improved glucose tolerance and insulin activity in the liver, and generated new findings about insulin-signaling in the liver that could prove useful in understanding the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes.

12 Apr 2005

Levels of anti–clotting proteins influence pregancy outcomes

Recurrent miscarriage, stillbirth, preeclampsia, poor fetal growth, preterm delivery and bleeding in pregnancy are influenced by low levels of the anti–clotting proteins Z and S, Yale School of Medicine researchers report in the March issue of Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

12 Apr 2005

Protein that regulates cholesterol levels may lead to new drug targets in the fight against obesity

A protein that regulates cholesterol levels in the body also is responsible for maintaining a healthy balance between fat storage and fat burning, according to a UT Southwestern Medical Center study that may lead to new drug targets in the fight against obesity.

12 Apr 2005

Breakdown in brain cell communication may contribute to the most common biochemical cause of mental retardation

The process is akin to a baseball game gone bad. Imagine if a pitcher were joined by six players simultaneously winding up on the mound. Crouched behind home plate, the single catcher would soon be overwhelmed. Even if the coach sent in teammates to catch the extra balls, confusion would reign on the field.

12 Apr 2005

Novel findings in Balo's concentric sclerosis may shed light on pathology of MS

Researchers partly funded through the National MS Society’s “MS Lesion Project” report that a novel mechanism known as “tissue preconditioning” may explain the pattern of tissue damage that occurs in Baló’s concentric sclerosis, a rare, severe disease similar to MS, and may offer clues to a similar phenomenon in MS. Hans Lassmann, MD (Medical University of Vienna, Wien) and colleagues, including Society grantee Claudia Lucchinetti, MD (Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN), report their findings in Brain.

12 Apr 2005

Advance in genetics of cleft lip and palate

Cleft lip and/or palate remains one of the most common birth defects in the world. It occurs when the sides of the face fuse abnormally in a developing baby, resulting in a malformed lip and/or roof of the mouth.

12 Apr 2005

Cardiac stem cells come closer to clinic

The laboratory of MDA grantee Kenneth Chien at the University of California-San Diego announced in a recent issue of Nature that its researchers have discovered in the hearts of mice, rats and humans a new type of stem cell that can become a mature cardiac cell.

12 Apr 2005

Groundbreaking results for the potential treatment of Huntington's Disease

Sirna Therapeutics announced today that its collaborator at the University of Iowa, Dr. Beverly Davidson, published groundbreaking results for the potential treatment of Huntington's Disease (HD).

12 Apr 2005

Milk and meat from cloned cattle safe to eat

Scientists in the US and Japan say that milk and meat from cloned cattle appears safe for human consumption.

12 Apr 2005

Faster, more accurate diagnostic test for Sjogren's syndrome

Researchers in Japan are developing a faster, more accurate diagnostic test for Sjögren’s (SHOW-grins) syndrome, an incurable autoimmune disorder characterized by chronically dry eyes and dry mouth.

11 Apr 2005

Researchers discover mechanism by which tumours support their own growth

In a recent issue of the American Journal of Pathology, the Bremen researchers report their findings on a signalling molecule called "High Mobility Group Protein B1" (HMGB1). As a signal sent by tumour cells HMGB1 proteins induce sprouting of blood vessels that supply tumours with oxygen, thus promoting tumour growth.

11 Apr 2005

G Protein News and Research

Gene expression pattern predicts multiple drug resistance

Researchers determine structure of binding site of colon-cancer drug Erbitux and its protein target

Scientists reveal the shape of a protein that helps retroviruses break into cells

Researchers show why mutations in a certain few genes, such as the p53 tumor suppressor gene, are found in different cancers

Common genetic mutation that increases the risk of inheriting Hirschsprung disease

Scientists identifiy protein that seems to control the malignant features of brain tumor cells

Statins used before or after strokes improve outcomes

Chemical library aids in developing drug system for nerve damage

Researchers and drug giant team up to find cure for CJD

New findings about insulin-signaling in the liver could prove useful in understanding type 2 diabetes

Levels of anti–clotting proteins influence pregancy outcomes

Protein that regulates cholesterol levels may lead to new drug targets in the fight against obesity

Breakdown in brain cell communication may contribute to the most common biochemical cause of mental retardation

Novel findings in Balo's concentric sclerosis may shed light on pathology of MS

Advance in genetics of cleft lip and palate

Cardiac stem cells come closer to clinic

Groundbreaking results for the potential treatment of Huntington's Disease

Milk and meat from cloned cattle safe to eat

Faster, more accurate diagnostic test for Sjogren's syndrome

Researchers discover mechanism by which tumours support their own growth

How ELRIG Is Helping Mid-Career Scientists Navigate Leadership, Career Change and Redundancy

The role of UV-Vis in biopharma QC

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