A little-known tissue composed of a cluster of immune cells could offer novel insights into the development of neurological disorders. Meninges' immune system changes with age and neurodegeneration. Are they protecting the brain or fueling disease? Mapping and analyzing the so-called ectopic lymphoid structures (ELSs) in the meninges at different ages in preclinical models of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's may help clarify whether they are good, bad, or ugly, as in the iconic film by Sergio Leone.
The U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Agency (MHRA) is calling for more research into the vaginal microbiome as a way to redress the historic under-representation of women in clinical studies, which it said has contributed to “critical shortcomings” in understanding of female-specific conditions.
F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. and Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. have divulged monoglyceride lipase (MGLL; MAGL) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, pain, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, Alzheimer’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease, among other disorders.
Suzhou Zion Pharma Technology Co Ltd. has identified KRAS inhibitors, in particular GTPase KRAS G12D mutant and/or G13D mutant, reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
The Ohio State University has synthesized dual specificity protein kinase TTK (MPS1; MPS1L1) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
Stanford University has disclosed leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2; dardarin) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, Crohn’s disease, leprosy, neurodegeneration, immunological disorders, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
G protein-biased agonists enhance opioid-induced analgesia by selectively avoiding β-arrestin-2 (βarr2) signaling, which has been associated with reduced efficacy and adverse effects. Similarly, directing neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) signaling toward β-arrestin pathways may promote analgesia via alternative mechanisms while minimizing side effects linked to G protein activation.
Ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14) is known to play important roles in the development and progression of cancer, including colorectal cancer, since it modulates proteasomal function and cellular proteostasis. In the present study, investigators from Zhejiang University and collaborators demonstrated that the USP14 inhibitor AKOS, a Chikungunya virus inhibitor, performed well as a colorectal cancer therapeutic both in vitro and in vivo.
It is hardly news that tumor cells, compared to healthy ones, show metabolic reprogramming that accelerates the production of energy and biosynthetic precursors to support rapid growth. What is newly discovered, in contrast, is the possibility that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors that are resistant to systemic therapies show further metabolic reprogramming beyond cells that are therapy sensitive, leading them to produce and store even greater amounts of energy.