Monthly Archives: February 2018

How combining different G-protein-coupled receptors expands functionality, and provides new drug targets

franco

Switched on by coffee? Rafael Franco and colleagues introduce the receptors responsible as members of a huge and diverse family of proteins – G-protein-coupled receptors – that are targeted by many of the drugs in our pharmacies. Their latest findings show how different adenosine receptor subtypes combine to act as a concentration-sensing device, highlighting how novel properties can emerge from different combinations of G-protein coupled receptors, and the potential for targeting these with drugs.

Biology Medicine

Research on rare genetic disorders informs autism and leads to better clinical care

Autism Featured image

Rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorders are often associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For example, about 30% of individuals with Fragile X syndrome, a rare form of intellectual disability, have autism. In this blog marking Rare Disease Day, Dr. Silvia De Rubeis shares some of the latest research on rare genetic diseases associated with autism and explains how it is benefiting treatment strategies, improving clinical trials and increasing our knowledge of autism.

Biology Health
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Metabolomics and the Exposotype: Linking genes and environment to human health

School of Tuna

Through the combination of genomics and metabolomics research, scientists are getting closer to understanding the impact of environmental exposure and lifestyle on disease onset. This recently designated “exposotype” (which takes into account genomic and metabolic data) is a new tool researchers can potentially use to refine and revolutionize current thinking about precision medicine and risk assessment.

Biology Health Medicine Technology