Neuropeptide FF receptor 1 (NPFFR1) and NPFFR2 regulate several biological functions and there is a lack of blockers for these receptors that allow the study of their function. Université de Strasbourg researchers have presented details on the design of RF-3286, an NPFFR1 antagonist for the potential treatment of hyperalgesia.

Sex differences at the cellular level could explain why men respond less well to glioblastoma (GBM) treatments, according to a study led by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (WUSTL). The researchers found that male and female GBM tumor cells had different metabolic needs. GBM cells from male surgical samples absorbed more glutamine and had different nutritional preferences for amino acids.

Human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) belongs to the β-retrovirus-like supergroup of viruses, and it has been previously demonstrated that the expression of HERV-K subtype HML-2 envelope (Env) in human neuronal cultures or in transgenic mice resulted in neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration.

Researchers from Welab Barcelona presented the discovery and preclinical evaluation of novel analgesic candidates with a dual mode of action.