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Drug target pathway could unlock treatments for diabetes, cancer and COVID
Rod-shaped MyD88 microcrystals on an electron microscopy grid (left), and the structural model derived from crystal diffraction data (right). Credit: Hongyi Xu and Thomas Ve
Scientists have visualised and investigated a key molecular pathway that could one day help treat inflammation, diabetes, cancer, infectious diseases and potentially even COVID-19.
The international collaboration, featuring Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics researchers, isolated and studied the MyD88 protein molecule and found the missing link between immune cell receptors and the body’s inflammation response.
Lead researcher Dr Thomas Ve from the Institute for Glycomics said the research was achieved thanks to advancements in molecular visualisation and analysis technology.