Tag: Biochemical Pharmacology

Identification of a Novel Population of Neuromedin S Expressing Neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area That Promote Morphine-Elicited Behavior

Opioid use disorder constitutes a major health and economic burden, but our limited understanding of the underlying neurobiology impedes better interventions. Alteration in the activity and output of dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) contributes to drug effects, but the mechanisms underlying these changes remain relatively unexplored. We used translating ribosome affinity… Continue reading Identification of a Novel Population of Neuromedin S Expressing Neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area That Promote Morphine-Elicited Behavior

Thiophosphate Bioisosteres of Inositol Hexakisphosphate Enhances Binding Affinity and Residence Time to Bacterial Virulence Factors.

Inositol phosphates are essential for mammalian cell signalling with critical roles in cellular processes. The fully phosphorylated inositol phosphate, myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), modulates numerous eukaryotic proteins and bacterial virulence factors. It has been suggested that the high charge density of IP6 causes restructuring of virulence factors in mammalian cells, activating their enzymatic activity. IP6 is… Continue reading Thiophosphate Bioisosteres of Inositol Hexakisphosphate Enhances Binding Affinity and Residence Time to Bacterial Virulence Factors.

Study reveals how B cells safeguard high-affinity antibodies

A vaccine’s ability to generate long-lasting, high-affinity antibodies hinges on a delicate balance. Upon exposure to a vaccine or pathogen, B cells scramble to refine their defenses, rapidly mutating in hopes of generating the most effective antibodies. But each round of this process is a roll of the genetic dice-every mutation has the potential to… Continue reading Study reveals how B cells safeguard high-affinity antibodies

Research findings solve the paradox of how the immune system balances speed and precision

Germinal centers are high-speed evolution machines. Tiny clusters in the lymph nodes, germinal centers refine antibodies through mutation and expansion until they produce high-affinity B cells adapted to keep different pathogens in check. But rapid evolution should come at a cost. Most mutations are deleterious, so constant mutation during every cell division, coupled with unchecked… Continue reading Research findings solve the paradox of how the immune system balances speed and precision