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Week of 14.08.08

Analysis

Cover story

Alnylam’s RNAa play

A recent study proposes a mechanism for RNA-induced gene activation, a process that results in upregulation of poorly expressed genes. Although the jury is still out on what the precise mechanism is, Alnylam has already licensed the relevant IP, marking the company’s foray into disease areas typically occupied by players in gene therapy and transcription factor targeting.

Targets & Mechanisms

Blocking blood vessel buildup

Japanese and Austrian researchers have identified a pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells that potentially could be targeted to prevent or slow blood vessel wall thickening and remodeling. Although the findings may have implications for acute cardiovascular disease, immediate benefits may be more achievable in areas such as restenosis.

Shockproofing against sepsis

German researchers report that the simultaneous blockade of two TLRs can prevent sepsis and septic shock in mice challenged with Gram-negative bacteria. Sepsis companies want to see data in models more relevant to human sepsis as well as data indicating whether the strategy works against other types of sepsis.

Tools

Surrogate antibodies

Researchers at Scripps and Sea Lane have developed antibody-like molecules with high antigen-binding affinities, called Surrobodies, which they say could generate molecules with greater diversity and more functionality than antibodies. To be validated as a new platform, antibody companies want evidence that the underlying natural structure of Surrobodies can be modified to create improved and stable binding properties.

The Distillery

  • This week in Therapeutics

    • Antagonizing microRNAs to treat cancer
    • Limiting inflammation through MAPK inhibition
    • MYD88-based susceptibility to bacterial infection
    • And more ...

  • This week in Techniques

    • T cell–specific small interfering RNAs
    • Induced pluripotent stem cells that can become motor neurons
    • And more ...