Qi Li, Qian Wang, Rui Wang, Liangren Zhang, Zhenming Liu
{"title":"The frameshifting element in coronaviruses: structure, function, and potential as a therapeutic target.","authors":"Qi Li, Qian Wang, Rui Wang, Liangren Zhang, Zhenming Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.tips.2025.04.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tips.2025.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The frameshifting element (FSE) comprises a slippery heptanucleotide sequence followed by a downstream RNA structure, such as a pseudoknot or stem-loop. Found in various RNA viruses, FSE regulates viral replication via programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting (-1 PRF), making it a potential broad-spectrum antiviral target. Advances in RNA structural analysis have elucidated the dynamic conformations and cross-viral diversity of FSE, with the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak further highlighting its role in viral replication. Efforts to develop antiviral drugs targeting FSE have progressed through virtual and phenotypic screening. In this review, we explore the evolution, structure, and function of FSE in coronaviruses, evaluate recent advances in FSE-targeted drug development, and discuss their design advantages, efficacy, and challenges, providing insights for future antiviral strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23250,"journal":{"name":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","volume":" ","pages":"535-550"},"PeriodicalIF":13.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144094942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sotatercept in pulmonary arterial hypertension.","authors":"Jean-Luc Cracowski, Charles Khouri","doi":"10.1016/j.tips.2025.04.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2025.04.008","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23250,"journal":{"name":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144094870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Monitoring neurodegeneration through brain-derived extracellular vesicles in biofluids.","authors":"Francesca Torrini, Marcos Gil-Garcia, Jacopo Cardellini, Roberto Frigerio, Manuela Basso, Alessandro Gori, Paolo Arosio","doi":"10.1016/j.tips.2025.03.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2025.03.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The identification of neurodegenerative disease (ND) biomarkers in easily accessible body fluids is crucial in the fight against this class of disorders. Brain-derived extracellular vesicles (BDEVs) have gained attention as nanoscale carriers of molecular information and bioactive molecules that reflect the status of their source cells. By crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), BDEVs can transfer these biomolecular signatures to peripheral biofluids, setting the scene for their use as ND biomarkers. In this review, we explore the role of BDEVs in liquid biopsy as a promising route for early ND diagnosis, as well as patient stratification and follow-up, with a particular focus on their ability to transport misfolded proteins and protein aggregates, major actors in neurodegeneration development. We also discuss the link between the physicochemical properties of BDEVs and the potential insights gained into NDs, highlighting both challenges and opportunities associated with the use of BDEVs for ND diagnostics.</p>","PeriodicalId":23250,"journal":{"name":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","volume":"46 5","pages":"468-479"},"PeriodicalIF":13.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144033669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ikponwmosa Obaseki, Chioma C Ndolo, Ayodeji A Adedeji, Hannah O Popoola, Andrea N Kravats
{"title":"The structural and functional dynamics of BiP and Grp94: opportunities for therapeutic discovery.","authors":"Ikponwmosa Obaseki, Chioma C Ndolo, Ayodeji A Adedeji, Hannah O Popoola, Andrea N Kravats","doi":"10.1016/j.tips.2025.03.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2025.03.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) and glucose-regulated protein 94 (Grp94) are endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized molecular chaperones that ensure proper protein folding and maintain protein homeostasis. However, overexpression of these chaperones during ER stress can contribute to disease progression in numerous pathologies. Although these chaperones represent promising therapeutic targets, their inhibition has been challenged by gaps in understanding of targetable chaperone features and their complex biology. To overcome these challenges, a new assay has been developed to selectively target BiP, and compounds that exploit subtle conformational changes of Grp94 have been designed. This review summarizes recent advances in elucidating structural and functional dynamics of BiP and Grp94. We explore leveraging this information to develop novel therapeutic interventions. Finally, given the recent advances in computing, we discuss how machine learning methods can be used to accelerate drug discovery efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":23250,"journal":{"name":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","volume":"46 5","pages":"453-467"},"PeriodicalIF":13.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12049254/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143983283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Antonios N Gargalionis, Kostas A Papavassiliou, Athanasios G Papavassiliou
{"title":"KRAS<sup>G12C</sup>/mTORC1 inhibition: a powerful duo in NSCLC therapeutics.","authors":"Antonios N Gargalionis, Kostas A Papavassiliou, Athanasios G Papavassiliou","doi":"10.1016/j.tips.2025.03.009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2025.03.009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In a recent report in Nature Communications, Kitai et al. designed a combinational treatment based on targeting the active-state KRAS<sup>G12C</sup>-mutant variant that characterizes a substantial subset of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases. The authors highlighted that dual targeting with KRAS<sup>G12C</sup> (ON) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex (mTORC)-1-selective inhibition potentially provides a new strategy to overcome drug resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":23250,"journal":{"name":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","volume":"46 5","pages":"389-391"},"PeriodicalIF":13.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144014993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"CRISPR/Cas technologies for cancer drug discovery and treatment.","authors":"Kevin C Wang, Tiffany Zheng, Basil P Hubbard","doi":"10.1016/j.tips.2025.02.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tips.2025.02.009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) tools are revolutionizing the establishment of genotype-phenotype relationships and are transforming cell- and gene-based therapies. In the field of oncology, CRISPR/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9), Cas12, and Cas13 have advanced the generation of cancer models, the study of tumor evolution, the identification of target genes involved in cancer growth, and the discovery of genes involved in chemosensitivity and resistance. Moreover, preclinical therapeutic strategies employing CRISPR/Cas have emerged. These include the generation of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells and engineered immune cells, and the use of precision anticancer gene-editing agents to inactivate driver oncogenes, suppress tumor support genes, and cull cancer cells in response to genetic circuit output. This review summarizes the collective impact that CRISPR technology has had on basic and applied cancer research, and highlights the promises and challenges facing its clinical translation.</p>","PeriodicalId":23250,"journal":{"name":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","volume":" ","pages":"437-452"},"PeriodicalIF":13.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143711371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jessica A I Muller, Lachlan A Bourke, Sam I D Campbell, Fernanda C Cardoso
{"title":"Venom peptides regulating Ca<sup>2+</sup> homeostasis: neuroprotective potential.","authors":"Jessica A I Muller, Lachlan A Bourke, Sam I D Campbell, Fernanda C Cardoso","doi":"10.1016/j.tips.2025.03.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2025.03.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Venom peptides specialized in modulating intracellular calcium ([Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub>) offer a treasure trove of pharmacological properties to regulate aberrant Ca<sup>2+</sup> homeostasis in disease. Combined with emerging advances across peptide optimization, disease models, and functional bioassays, these venom peptides could unlock new therapies restoring Ca<sup>2+</sup> homeostasis. In this opinion, we explore the pharmacology of venom peptides modulating [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> signaling along with recent breakthroughs propelling venom peptide-based drug discovery. We predict a transformative era in therapeutic development harnessing venom peptides targeting dysfunctional Ca<sup>2+</sup> signaling in intractable conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":23250,"journal":{"name":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","volume":"46 5","pages":"407-421"},"PeriodicalIF":13.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144033844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Repurposing trifluoperazine for glioblastoma treatment.","authors":"Manam Inushi De Silva, Hui K Gan, Cedric Bardy","doi":"10.1016/j.tips.2025.03.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2025.03.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Glioblastoma (GBM) remains a therapeutic challenge due to its heterogeneity and plasticity, which drive treatment resistance, especially when compounded by interactions with the brain microenvironment. Recent preclinical evidence indicates that trifluoperazine (TFP) inhibits treatment-induced malignant reprogramming of tumour cells, potentially helping to reduce tumour plasticity. TFP targets calmodulin, dopamine receptors, and stress-responsive proteins (nuclear protein 1, NUPR1). Through these mechanisms, TFP has been shown to reduce tumour growth, sensitise tumours to chemoradiotherapy, and prolong survival in xenograft animal models. The clinical safety profile of TFP is well known from its use as an antipsychotic, and recent preclinical evidence further indicates that TFP has low toxicity to healthy neurons and glia despite transient functional effects on dopamine receptors. This Opinion explores TFP mechanisms of action and clinical activity to assess its suitability as a repurposed therapeutic option for GBM.</p>","PeriodicalId":23250,"journal":{"name":"Trends in pharmacological sciences","volume":"46 5","pages":"392-406"},"PeriodicalIF":13.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144000876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}