Researchers led by Nobel Laureate Frances Arnold at Caltech developed an enzyme-based method to more efficiently produce oxazolidinone antibiotics for treating drug-resistant tuberculosis. Using directed evolution to engineer enzymes, they can now synthesize only the effective (S) form of the compound, reducing waste and manufacturing costs to increase access to these treatments in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered that age-related muscle weakness in older adults results from deteriorating communication between nerves and muscles at the neuromuscular junction, caused by reduced levels of the NaV1.4 protein. They identified a potential treatment by targeting the ClC-1 protein, which in animal models improved muscle strength and responsiveness to nerve signals, offering a potentially reversible approach to sarcopenia affecting nearly half of adults over 80.
Scientists at the University of Missouri discovered that age-related muscle weakness stems from deteriorating communication between nerves and muscles, specifically involving reduced levels of the protein NaV1.4. Researchers demonstrated that partially inhibiting a protein called ClC-1 improved muscle responsiveness to nerve signals in animal models, offering a potential therapeutic path to treat sarcopenia and preserve strength in older adults.