Enzymes

Inhibiting the GLS1 enzyme could improve numerous age-associated disorders, finds study

5 February 2021 | By Hannah Balfour (Drug Target Review)

In a new study, inhibitors of the GLS1 enzyme caused the death of senescent cells and relieved the symptoms of various age-related diseases in mice.

Preventing stem cells from transforming into pre-leukaemia stem cells

1 February 2021 | By Victoria Rees (Drug Target Review)

Researchers have discovered that two enzymes called APOBEC3C and ADAR1 work together to fuel the transition from pre-cancer stem cells to cancer stem cells in leukaemia.

Novel compound named BC1618 could serve as new diabetes drug

27 January 2021 | By Victoria Rees (Drug Target Review)

Researchers have identified a new compound that improved responses to insulin and treated diabetes in obese mouse models.

Researchers develop novel way to identify new cancer drugs

26 January 2021 | By Victoria Rees (Drug Target Review)

A team has developed a new way to discover peptide therapeutics that inhibit HDAC enzymes and are effective against cancer.

NSAIDs could be damaging to COVID-19 patients, dependent on timing, suggests study

25 January 2021 | By Hannah Balfour (Drug Target Review)

In murine models of COVID-19, researchers found that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can suppress the inflammatory response and production of antibodies.

Inhibiting acetate metabolism shows promise in breast cancer model

8 January 2021 | By Hannah Balfour (Drug Target Review)

Inhibiting the ACSS2 enzyme with a molecule called VY-3-135 caused a significant reduction in the growth of breast cancer tumours in vivo.

New drug target for non-small cell lung cancer identified

6 January 2021 | By Victoria Rees (Drug Target Review)

A new study has suggested that the enzyme GFPT2 could be a useful target for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Researchers reveal how coronaviruses use protein vibrations to enter cells

23 November 2020 | By Victoria Rees (Drug Target Review)

Using atomistic simulations, a team has demonstrated how coronavirus Spike proteins move and vibrate to let the virus through cell walls.

Furin cleavage motif makes SARS-CoV-2 more aggressive than other CoVs, find scientists

12 November 2020 | By Hannah Balfour (Drug Target Review)

A specific furin cleavage motif on the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, not present on other coronaviruses (CoVs), could be targeted by novel COVID-19 therapies.

SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease could be a novel drug target

19 October 2020 | By Hannah Balfour (Drug Target Review)

Scientists suggest targeting the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) with inhibitors could prevent the spread of infection.

Researchers identify a potential remdesivir resistance mechanism in SARS-CoV-2

8 October 2020 | By Hannah Balfour (Drug Target Review)

Exploring how the Ebola virus develops remdesivir resistance has highlighted a mutation that could allow SARS-CoV-2 to do the same.

Build-up in the lungs could be targeted by future severe COVID-19 treatments

7 October 2020 | By Hannah Balfour (Drug Target Review)

Breaking down or slowing the production of a hyaluronan jelly which builds up in the lungs of some severe COVID-19 patients could reduce respiratory distress and prevent death.

Researchers target previously “undruggable” enzyme to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy in cells

14 September 2020 | By Victoria Rees (Drug Target Review)

By targeting a previously undiscovered allosteric site on a DMD-associated enzyme, researchers found muscle cell conditions improved.

Guide: Navigating hit prioritisation using biochemical assays

7 September 2020 | By BellBrook Labs

So you have performed your screen. What’s next? This guide is focused on how biochemical assays are used for characterising and prioritising compounds.

BellBrook Labs