A novel small molecule designed and synthesised by Indian researchers has shown promise in targeted killing of cancer cells. The molecule (Disarib) binds to a protein BCL2 and inhibits the protein from suppressing cell death in cancer cells. While BCL2 protein is produced in excess in cancer cells, its expression is almost undetectable in normal... Continue Reading →
IGIB uses novel drug discovery approach to identify drug targets in TB bacteria
In a completely different approach to drug discovery, a team led by Dr. Samir K. Brahmachari at Delhi’s CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) has used a combination of approaches to predict potential drug targets in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the TB causing bacteria. The novel method not only helps in speeding up drug discovery by... Continue Reading →
IISc’s potent molecules show promise for TB therapy
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru have developed two new, potent molecules that can severely impact the survival of mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis that causes TB. The results were published in the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. Unlike most antibiotics that target the bacterial metabolism by aiming at the cellular components, the... Continue Reading →
Indian researchers find a new bacterial target for drug development
Indian researchers have found a new target that can potentially be used for developing new antibiotics that will be effective against many bacteria. The new target is made of two proteins — which form a complex that is responsible for the formation of biofilm — that perform very important functions and are critical for bacterial... Continue Reading →
Drug discovery for GPCR signalling made easy by IIT Kanpur researchers
Discovering new drugs that bind to G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), which are central to almost every physiological process in our body such as vision, taste, immune response and cardiovascular regulation, has become easier, thanks to research by a team led by Dr. Arun K. Shukla from the Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute... Continue Reading →
ICGEB researchers adopt a novel approach to drug discovery
Researchers from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Delhi have found a novel route to discover new drug targets and potential drugs for parasites that cause several diseases such as Loa loa nematode (roundworm) and Schistosoma mansoni platyhelminths (flatworm). The results were published in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Both these... Continue Reading →
When pills make us worse: Monitoring the adverse effects of medicines
By Debaleena Basu A healthy 21-year-old youth was admitted to a hospital for an elective surgery. All preoperative physiological parameters were normal. On the surgery day, the commonly used drug bupivacaine was administered to induce spinal anaesthesia. Following the injection, he immediately went into shock. His blood pressure dropped, pulse weakened, and his breathing became... Continue Reading →
