Barth syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the TAZ gene, which encodes an enzyme essential for remodeling cardiolipin, critical for mitochondrial function. A recent study published in Nature identified the enzyme ABHD18 as a candidate deacylase in the cardiolipin biosynthesis pathway and a potential therapeutic target for this syndrome.

The signaling of ephrin B (EphB) has been shown to be involved in the progression of metabolic disorders, among others. In this context, researchers from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center have developed a pan-EphB inhibitor – STA-013 – for the treatment of metabolic syndrome.