All articles tagged with #reverse transcriptase
David Baltimore, a pioneering virologist whose discovery of reverse transcriptase revolutionized understanding of retroviruses and contributed significantly to cancer and HIV/AIDS research, has passed away at age 87. His work challenged the central dogma of molecular biology and provided essential tools for modern genetic research.
Research suggests that FDA-approved HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors may reduce Alzheimer's risk by blocking RT activity in neurons, which is linked to genetic elements called LINE1. RT activity was found in aging and Alzheimer's brains, especially in neurons, and could be targeted for potential treatments to slow or prevent disease progression.
Scientists from Merck have discovered a subset of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) drugs that not only inhibit HIV's ability to replicate but also cause the virus to kill off infected cells. These drugs, called Targeted Activators of Cell Kill (TACK), work by prematurely synthesizing HIV's protease enzyme, which then snips out cellular proteins that form a self-destruct bomb, destroying the infected cell. The TACK drugs offer a potential cure therapy that specifically targets HIV-infected cells, without relying on host immune responses. The lead candidate, Pyr01, has shown promising results in lab experiments, demonstrating strong antiviral activity and the ability to kill HIV-infected cells. Further research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of TACK drugs in clinical settings.