DDX1: A Versatile RNA Helicase
Tuesday, 18 April 2023
DDX1 (Dead-Box Helicase 1) belongs to the DEAD-Box family of ATP-dependent RNA helicases, whose members are collectively involved in almost all aspects of RNA processing: from transcription to remodeling to degradation. They are named for the central Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp (DEAD) sequence they all possess. The 35 human DEAD-Box proteins comprise the largest family of helicases known.
- Published in Emerging Targets, Innate Immunity
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DDX41 as a Sensor, Suppressor, and Modulator
Thursday, 26 May 2022
DDX41 [DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) Box Polypeptide 41] is a cytosolic helicase sensor for dsDNA, DNA/RNA complexes, and cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs). Its N-terminal domain is responsible for translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Its DEAD domain, with its signature aspartate-glutamate-alanine-aspartate motif, is important for ATP-powered DNA/CDN detection and signaling. The remaining C-terminal domain functions as a
- Published in Emerging Targets, HTS Assays, Innate Immunity
NSP13 Inhibitors for the Potential Treatment of COVID-19
Monday, 14 June 2021
Could NSP13 be the target to help treat some respiratory infections such as SARS-CoV-2? Respiratory diseases caused by coronaviruses (CoVs) vary in symptoms, severity, and risk. Typically, symptoms are mild and known as the common cold, while others are more severe and lead to pneumonia or bronchitis, chest pains, and possibly death. SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV
- Published in Emerging Targets, HTS Assays, Innate Immunity
Can DDX3 Inhibitors Lead to the Discovery of Antiviral Therapies?
Tuesday, 04 May 2021
DDX3 inhibitors could unlock new treatments for viral diseases. The human immune response is extraordinary and incredibly complex. As the first line of defense against pathogens and foreign DNA, the innate response acts quickly. Viruses activate innate immunity as the host has proteins that recognize viral components. The innate immune response relies on several cell
- Published in Emerging Targets, HTS Assays
Accelerating Discovery of Kinase Inhibitors Using an ADP Assay
Tuesday, 23 February 2021
An ADP assay can be used to study the activity of enzymes that phosphorylate substrates leading to signaling events in the body. One of a variety of post-translational modifications, protein phosphorylation regulates a diverse group of cellular functions. In cancer, abnormal phosphorylation events often play a role in proliferation, survival, motility, metabolism, and angiogenesis.1 PI3K
- Published in HTS Assays
A Search for NLRP3 Inhibitors to Fight Autoimmune Disease
Wednesday, 08 July 2020
Can NLRP3 inhibitors help treat autoimmune disease? – The human immune response is complicated and we continue to discover pathways involved that add to the complexity. Different than the adaptive immune response, the innate response acts quickly and is considered the first line of defense against pathogens and foreign DNA. In order to do its
- Published in Emerging Targets
Using an ATPase Activity Assay for Drug Discovery
Wednesday, 06 March 2019
What are ATPases? Many people are familiar with the abbreviation ATP, which stands for the molecule adenosine triphosphate. ATP is the fascinating energy carrier of cellular processes and is involved in energy transfer in all living organisms. A myriad of biochemical processes uses the energy released upon the chemical transformation from ATP to ADP. A
- Published in HTS Assays