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IMAGE: A model produced by scientists at Rice University shows the conformational changes caused by a mutation in the cancer-fighting p53 protein. At top left, the red box highlights the aggregation-prone. view more
Credit: Kolomeisky Research Group/Rice University
HOUSTON - (March 4, 2021) - A mutation that replaces a single amino acid in a potent tumor-suppressing protein turns it from saint to sinister. A new study by a coalition of Texas institutions shows why that is more damaging than previously known.
The ubiquitous p53 protein in its natural state, sometimes called the guardian of the genome, is a front-line protector against cancer. But the mutant form appears in 50% or more of human cancers and actively blocks cancer suppressors.
UTMB researchers pioneer a new way to study frustration as a factor in substance use disorders
A team from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) focused on drug addiction research have pioneered a new way to study frustration as a factor in substance use disorders. The study was published in the medical journal
Psychopharmacology.
Traditional addiction research has focused on three aspects of substance use disorders: craving, impulsivity, or habit. Scientists hypothesized that a fourth factor, frustration, could also lead to escalation of drug use and addiction.
The Psychopharmacology paper noted that research into the role of frustration and substance use disorders is sparse, but a number of studies suggest that persons with substance use disorders have lower frustration tolerance. Studies have shown that sensitivity to frustration correlates with relapse among those with substance use disorders.
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While traditional addiction research has focused on three aspects of substance use disorders, namely craving, impulsivity, or habit, a new study suggests that frustration could also lead to escalation of drug use and addiction. The new study published in the journal Psychopharmacology noted that research into the role of frustration and substance use disorders is sparse, but a number of studies suggest that persons with substance use disorders have lower frustration tolerance.
Studies have shown that sensitivity to frustration correlates with relapse among those with substance use disorders.
For the latest study, the researchers used a rat model to focus on frustration-related behaviour.
Frustration could lead to drug addiction - INDIA New England News indianewengland.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from indianewengland.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
COVID-19: Angina drug may be an effective treatment
Written by Erika Watts on February 26, 2021 Fact checked by Hilary Guite, FFPH, MRCGP
New research in cells shows the drug bepridil holds promise for treating COVID-19. filadendron/Getty Images
A recent study shows that bepridil a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating heart angina but currently voluntarily withdrawn due to cardiac side effects may be highly effective in treating COVID-19.
The researchers tested 55 different FDA-approved medications. As many as 29 of these showed promise, and six were found to reduce activity of a crucial enzyme that helps the virus replicate.