Scorpion Peptide May Be Key To Secretory Diseases
Researchers have discovered a peptide in scorpion venom that may hold the key to understanding and controlling cystic fibrosis and other secretory diseases.In the December 28 issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, an international team of researchers describes how this novel peptide, called GaTx1, can control the movement of ions and water out of cells by interacting with a crucial chloride channel.
Increased Cystic Fibrosis Severity And Deficiency In The Protein MBL2 Linked
Cystic fibrosis (CF), a hereditary disorder causing thick mucous production and frequent lung infections, is associated with a high mortality rate primarily due to lung failure. Although it is known that mutations in the CFTR gene cause the disease, variations in other genes between individuals with CF modify the severity of the disease.
Decline In Cystic Fibrosis Since Introduction Of Prenatal Carrier Screening
A brief report in the February 28, 2008, New England Journal of Medicine, led by researchers at the New England Newborn Screening Program (NENSP) of the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), indicates a declining incidence of a genetic disease, providing what may be the first demonstration of a link between two independent population-based screening programs.
Computer Simulations Point To Key Molecular Basis Of Cystic Fibrosis
Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have identified a key molecular mechanism that may account for the development of cystic fibrosis, which about 1 in 3000 children are born with in the US every year. The findings, published February 29 in the open-access journal PLoS Computational Biology, add new knowledge to understanding the development of this disease and may also point the way to new corrective treatments.
Mpex Candidate, MP-376, Granted U.S. Orphan Drug Status For The Treatment Of Cystic Fibrosis
Mpex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Office of Orphan Products Development has granted Mpex orphan drug designation for levofloxacin solution for inhalation for the treatment of pulmonary infections due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other bacteria in patients with cystic fibrosis.
First Step To Create Cystic Fibrosis Model Using Pigs
Cystic fibrosis is the most common genetic disease in Caucasians. The median lifespan for those with the disease is 36 years, and lung disease is the major cause of mortality. For years, scientists have studied cystic fibrosis using mice in which the cystic fibrosis gene was altered.
Research Promising For Cystic Fibrosis
New U of T research holds promise for developing innovative therapies against cystic fibrosis and may also serve as a model for future therapies against the HIV virus. Led by Professor Igor Stagljar, University of Toronto scientists have identified several compounds that block activity of a key protein (exoenzymeS or ExoS).
Cystic Fibrosis Development Better Understood
According to a report in the open-access journal PLoSComputational Biology, there is a specific molecularmechanism that could be responsible for the development of cysticfibrosis. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researcherssuggest better understanding of the disease may help to develop newcorrective treatments.
5 Million Initiative To Enhance Care For Adults With Cystic Fibrosis
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has announced the launch of a new $5 million initiative to enhance care for the growing adult CF population. The initiative, called the Program for Adult Care Excellence (PACE), will expand the scope of adult care programs for people with cystic fibrosis.
Great Strides 2008 - Taking Steps To Cure Cystic Fibrosis, UK
Thousands of people will be taking steps to cure Cystic Fibrosis (CF) this year by taking part in a series of sponsored walks across the UK. Great Strides, sponsored by Solvay Healthcare, is a worldwide initiative to get people walking to help see off CF.