In this episode of Drug Diaries, Dr. Bede Portz discusses the field of condensate biology and its potential impact on drug discovery. Condensates are membrane-less structures in cells that provide an intermediate level of organization between randomness and membrane-encompassed organelles. By studying condensates, researchers can gain new insights into cellular processes and develop innovative approaches to treating complex diseases. One of the key challenges in drug discovery is targeting difficult proteins like the MYC protein, which plays a critical role in cancer growth and proliferation. Dewpoint, where Dr. Portz works, is focusing on developing treatments for ovarian cancer by targeting the MYC protein. The use of condensate science in drug discovery offers a new lens through which complex cellular processes can be understood and manipulated. Keywords condensate biology, drug discovery, cellular processes, MYC protein, ovarian cancer, condensate science Takeaways Condensates are membrane-less structures in cells that provide an intermediate level of organization between randomness and membrane-encompassed organelles. Studying condensates can provide new insights into cellular processes and offer innovative approaches to treating complex diseases. Targeting difficult proteins like the MYC protein, which plays a critical role in cancer growth and proliferation, is a key challenge in drug discovery. Dewpoint is focusing on developing treatments for ovarian cancer by targeting the MYC protein using condensate science. Condensate science offers a new lens through which complex cellular processes can be understood and manipulated in drug discovery. Titles Exploring the Fascinating World of Condensate Biology Rewriting the Rules of Drug Discovery with Condensate Science Sound Bites "Condensate science brings a paradigm shift to drug discovery." "Condensate science offers a new lens through which we can understand and manipulate complex cellular processes." "The MYC protein is a challenging target in cancer treatment." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Condensate Biology 06:10 Condensate Science in Drug Discovery 08:37 Condensates as Integrating Nodes of Disease 31:43 The Future of Drug Development: Insights from Condensate Biology

Today's episode of Drug Diaries focuses on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and the groundbreaking research conducted by Somesh Mohapatra and his team. They have used artificial intelligence and experimental chemistry to develop new sequences for gene therapy in DMD. The research involved experimental screening, machine learning, interpretability, and optimization. The process took approximately six years and is now pending for clinical trials. Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize the entire value chain of DMD treatment, from genetic screening to diagnosis, administration, and manufacturing logistics. There are common myths about AI, but interpretability helps address them. In this conversation, Somesh Mohapatra, discusses the intersection of artificial intelligence and drug discovery. He explains how AI can be used to accelerate the drug discovery process, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs. Somesh also shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in the field, the importance of collaboration between AI researchers and domain experts, and the role of mentorship in career development. He emphasizes the need for researchers to concentrate on the present, understand their why, and continuously learn and adapt. Somesh's passion for mentoring and his commitment to driving positive change in the world are evident throughout the conversation. Keywords Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, DMD, gene therapy, artificial intelligence, experimental chemistry, research, clinical trials, genetic screening, diagnosis, administration, manufacturing logistics, interpretability, artificial intelligence, drug discovery, AI, patient outcomes, collaboration, mentorship, career development Takeaways Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating genetic disorder that affects approximately one in every 3,500 boys worldwide. Somesh Mohapatra and his team have used artificial intelligence and experimental chemistry to develop new sequences for gene therapy in DMD. The research involved experimental screening, machine learning, interpretability, and optimization, and took approximately six years. Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize the entire value chain of DMD treatment, from genetic screening to diagnosis, administration, and manufacturing logistics. Interpretability of AI models helps address common myths and concerns about the field. Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize the drug discovery process by accelerating research, improving patient outcomes, and reducing costs. Collaboration between AI researchers and domain experts is crucial for the successful application of AI in drug discovery. Mentorship plays a vital role in career development, providing guidance, support, and valuable insights. Researchers should concentrate on the present, understand their why, and continuously learn and adapt to stay at the forefront of their field. Titles The Power of Artificial Intelligence in DMD Treatment The Potential of AI Across the Value Chain of DMD Treatment The Role of Mentorship in Career Development The Power of Collaboration in AI and Drug Discovery Sound Bites "Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy or DMD is a rare but cruel disease that affects approximately one in every 3,500 boys worldwide." "Somesh Mahapatra, a brilliant researcher who has contributed significantly towards finding a treatment for DMD." "Gene therapy is like a new instruction sheet. Scientists use these gene therapeutics and deliver it to the cells through either harmless viruses, peptides, or just the drug alone to deliver a healthy copy of the dystrophin gene into muscle cells." "AI can capture chemical insights not well known in the field before" "AI can help devise new antibiotics and model protein structures" "Making AI research accessible and reducing time to market" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 01:33 The Journey of Somesh Mahapatra 04:59 Improving the Effectiveness of...

Learn how Natural Killer Cells combat age-related illnesses like cell senescence. Discover the role of NK cells in preventing age-related disorders in this informative video. Summary In this episode of Drug Diaries, host Kaushik Trivedi explores the impact of natural killer cells on age-related diseases. He discusses a study that shows the prevalence of frailty and physical dysfunction in older adults and introduces Cellularity Inc., a biotech company studying natural killer cells for their potential in fighting age-related diseases. Trivedi then delves into the science behind cellular senescence, explaining how cells can become damaged and the different responses to that damage. He discusses the concept of senescence and its role in preventing cancer, as well as the negative effects of accumulated senescent cells on human health. The episode concludes with an invitation for innovators to share their groundbreaking work on Drug Diaries. Citations https://celularity.com/celularity-to-present-data-showing-senescent-cell-elimination-by-off-the-shelf-natural-killer-cells-derived-from-human-placental-cells/ SENS Research Foundation - https://www.sens.org/ https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-01370-4#:~:text=Lurking%20throughout%20your%20body%2C%20from,and%20weaken%20the%20immune%20system. Keywords natural killer cells, age-related diseases, frailty, physical dysfunction, cellular senescence, DNA damage, cancer prevention, inflammation, senescence-associated secretory phenotype, accumulation of senescent cells, drug therapies, cell therapies, innovators Takeaways Natural killer cells are being studied for their potential to fight age-related diseases. Cellular senescence is a response to cellular damage and can prevent cancer. Senescent cells can have negative effects on other cells and tissues due to inflammation. Accumulated senescent cells may worsen conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and liver fibrosis. Research is being conducted to remove senescent cells with drugs or cell therapies. Drug Diaries invites innovators to share their groundbreaking work on the podcast. Titles Exploring Potential Therapies to Remove Senescent Cells The Impact of Natural Killer Cells on Age-Related Diseases Sound Bites "Natural killer cells are being studied for their potential to fight age-related diseases." "Cellular senescence is a great mechanism to have in our bodies, but too much of a good thing can become a bad thing." "Conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and liver fibrosis may be significantly worsened by the increased inflammation that comes with the accumulation of senescent cells." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Drug Diaries 01:00 The Impact of Natural Killer Cells on Age-Related Diseases 03:51 Understanding Cellular Senescence and its Role in Cancer Prevention 06:45 The Negative Effects of Accumulated Senescent Cells on Human Health 07:13 Exploring Potential Therapies to Remove Senescent Cells 08:11 Inviting Innovators to Share Groundbreaking Work on Drug Diaries