Drug Discovery@nature.com 23 November 2012

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Full Text Getting a fix on SMA doi:10.1038/nm1112-1605 Researchers in the US are hopeful that their technique involving gene delivery of the missing protein, SMN1, may translate into the clinic. Full Text New NIH effort seeks to find ways to make trials run smoother doi:10.1038/nm1112-1598a The Health Care Systems Research Collaboratory aims to find more efficient means of recruiting trial participants, and the best ways of designing an experiment and handling large amounts of data. Full Text Interest resparks in RNAi doi:10.1038/nbt1112-1012 The large number of deals this year involving RNAi suggests renewed optimism about the technology. Full Text Analysis Top Bringing macrocycles full circle doi:10.1038/scibx.2012.1176 At a recent SciBX summit on macrocycles, participants identified four areas of science in which work is needed to enable innovation and laid out a roadmap for progress. Full Text From the analyst's couch: Wet AMD market doi:10.1038/nrd3790 This analysis looks at the currently available therapies for age-related macular degeneration and at the emerging treatments that might offer more convenient and cost-effective options. Full Text Research Highlights Top Alzheimer's Disease: JNK3 as new target in AD? doi:10.1038/nrd3876 Researchers have shown that Alzheimer’s disease is under tight control by JNK3, through a complex loop that drives the production of the neurotoxic peptide Aβ42. JNK3 deletion alleviated symptoms in a mouse model. Full Text Metabolic disorders: New avenue to AMPK activation doi:10.1038/nrd3872 Researchers have identified a novel small-molecule AMPK activator that, through a mechanism involving NUR77, reduces blood glucose and alleviates insulin resistance in mouse models of diabetes. Full Text G Protein-coupled receptors: Expanding the detection of GPCR activation doi:10.1038/nrd3874 A new high-throughput assay overcomes some limitations of previous assays, allowing the accurate detection of a wider range of GPCRs. Full Text Research & Reviews Top Structure and mechanism of a bacterial sodium-dependent dicarboxylate transporter doi:10.1038/nature11542 This study provides insights into the NaCT protein, including the identification of the substrate-binding motifs. This may aid the design of agents that target this protein to treat obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Full Text Immunomodulatory glycan LNFPIII alleviates hepatosteatosis and insulin resistance through direct and indirect control of metabolic pathways doi:10.1038/nm.2962 The administration of LNFPIII, an immunomodulatory glycan found in human milk and on parasitic helminths, improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obese mice. Full Text MicroRNA therapeutics for cardiovascular disease: opportunities and obstacles doi:10.1038/nrd3864 This Review focuses on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of current miRNA inhibitor designs and their relevance to cardiovascular indications, and evaluates the opportunities and obstacles associated with this new therapeutic modality. Full Text The spliceosome as a target of novel antitumour drugs doi:10.1038/nrd3823 This Review looks at drugs that target the alternative splicing of genes that are important for cancer progression, and at how an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of these may open new perspectives for novel antitumour therapies. Full Text Drug Discovery JOBS of the week Postdoc in stem cell derived liver cells and drug induced hepatotoxicity Karolinska Institutet Postdoctoral studies on in vivo drug discovery Karolinska Institute, Cell and Molecular Biology Faculty Positions DGIST (Daegu Geyongbuk Institute of Science & Technology) Director Research and Drug Development Children's Tumor Foundation PhD Position: Functionalized Inorganic Materials for Water Remediation and Drug Delivery University of Southern Denmark, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy More Science jobs from Drug Discovery EVENT 5th international conference on drug discovery and therapy 18.-21.02.13 Dubai, UAE More science events from Careers Top Career snapshots archive Career snapshots feature people associated with drug discovery and drug development, with the aim of providing expert insights and advice on a wide range of positions and career paths in this field. Full Text Top Advertisement SciBX: Science-Business eXchange is a weekly publication that identifies and analyzes the most important translational research articles from over 40 journals. Find out which papers have real scientific and commercial potential, and why. Recommend SciBX to your library today.   Natureevents is a fully searchable, multi-disciplinary database designed to maximise exposure for events organisers. The contents of the Natureevents Directory are now live. The digital version is available here. Find the latest scientific conferences, courses, meetings and symposia on natureevents.com. For event advertising opportunities across the Nature Publishing Group portfolio please contact natureevents@nature.com More Nature Events

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