VCP's Nuclear Journey: Initiated by Interacting with KPNB1 to Repair DNA Damage

Academic Background DNA damage repair (DDR) is a core mechanism for maintaining genome stability, and its dysfunction is closely associated with cancer development. Valosin-containing protein (VCP/p97), a member of the AAA+ ATPase family, plays a critical role in DDR by recognizing ubiquitinated proteins and recruiting repair factors (e.g., 53BP1, ...

Molecular Insights into De Novo Small-Molecule Recognition by an Intron RNA Structure

Academic Background RNA, as a carrier of genetic information and functional molecule, has long been considered an “undruggable” target. In recent years, with advances in RNA structural biology, scientists have begun exploring the development of small-molecule drugs targeting RNA. However, this field faces three core challenges: (1) lack of systemat...

Cyclic Peptide Inhibitors Function as Molecular Glues to Stabilize Gq/11 Heterotrimers

Academic Background G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of membrane proteins in the human body, transmitting extracellular signals through heterotrimeric G proteins (composed of Gα and Gβγ subunits). G proteins function as molecular switches, with their activity states regulated by the GTP/GDP cycle: - Inactive state: Gα bind...

DockEM: An Enhanced Method for Atomic-Scale Protein–Ligand Docking Refinement Leveraging Low-to-Medium Resolution Cryo-EM Density Maps

Academic Background and Research Motivation In recent years, protein–ligand docking has rapidly developed as a core technology for virtual drug screening and structure-based drug discovery. Despite improvements in drug discovery efficiency through large-scale high-throughput screening technologies, new drug development still faces high costs, long ...

Cluster-Based Redox-Responsive Super-Atomic MRI Contrast Agents

Academic Background Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a crucial tool in modern medical diagnostics, and its effectiveness relies heavily on the use of contrast agents (CAs). Traditional MRI contrast agents are mainly based on gadolinium (Gd) complexes. Although these agents are widely used in clinical practice, their long-term safety is controver...

Development and Characterization of Baricitinib Nanoemulgel with Antiarthritic Effect in Rats

Academic Background Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the synovial membrane of joints, leading to inflammation and erosive lesions. Approximately 0.5% to 1% of the global population is affected by this disease, particularly among the elderly, who often experience dysphagia, which limits the compliance ...

Synthesis and Characterization of Pyrogallol Silver Nanoparticles and Pyrogallol Nanocomposites and Their Effects on Radiation-Induced Toxicity in HEK293 Cells

Academic Background Cancer is a complex and highly prevalent disease worldwide, causing nearly 10 million deaths annually. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for improving patient survival rates. Current cancer treatment modalities include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Among these, radiotherapy is a critic...

A Novel Formulation of Docetaxel-Containing Micelle Surface Modified with Metronidazole to Target Tumor Hypoxia

Background Introduction Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, and despite significant progress in treatment, the complexity of tumors, particularly tumor hypoxia, remains a major obstacle to successful therapy. Hypoxic regions are prevalent in solid tumors, where oxygen concentrations are significantly lower than in normal tissues ...

Sugarcane Wax-Based Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as an Atorvastatin Carrier: Characterization and In Vivo Evaluation of Antihyperlipidemic Activity in Rats

Academic Background Cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis, are one of the leading causes of death globally. Elevated cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Atorvastatin (ATV) is a widely used cholesterol-lowering drug, but its oral bioavailability is low, primarily due to first-pass metabolism. To improve th...

Nickel-Mediated Aerobic C(sp2)–Nucleophile Coupling Reactions for Late-Stage Diversification of Aryl Electrophiles

In the field of medicinal chemistry, molecular diversification is a crucial step in the discovery of new drugs. However, existing catalytic methods often face challenges when dealing with complex drug molecules, as these molecules are typically more complex than simple substrates. In particular, the formation of carbon-heteroatom (C–X) bonds is an ...