Two separate research teams have shown that the cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) plays a role in Alzheimer's disease – but not like most people would expect. In animal studies, despite its anti-inflammatory properties, IL-10 seemed to make things worse as far as both plaque formation and cognition were concerned.
For treating alcohol dependence and its consequences, an ounce of prevention and a pound of cure might be achieved by targeting the same protein: regulator of G protein 6 (RGS6).
The transcription factor Myc plays a major role in gene expression. It regulates the expression of 15 percent to 20 percent of all genes, and Myc mutations are known or suspected to be drivers in many cancers. As a result, there is a very active, if to date unsuccessful, push by the biopharma industry to develop Myc gene inhibitors.
Two independent research teams have engineered microorganisms that are dependent on synthetic amino acids for their survival, making them unable to grow without a constant supply of synthetic nutrients.
Through large-scale sequencing and screening, researchers have gained new insights into the role – and sometimes the lack of a role – of the protein titin in heart disease.
Last week, policymakers, researchers and vaccine developers met at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters to review the landscape of current and upcoming Ebola vaccine clinical trials. Their goal, in the words of Director-General Margaret Chan, was to "take stock, plan the next steps and make sure that all partners are working in tandem."
Myrbetriq (mirabegron, Astellas Pharma Inc.), which is approved for the treatment of overactive bladder, may find itself useful in another indication. In a phase I trial, the drug activated brown fat and increased the metabolic rate of healthy male volunteers.
Last week, policy-makers, researchers and vaccine developers met at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters to review the landscape of current and upcoming Ebola vaccine clinical trials.
