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Mcl-1protein is a validated therapeutic cancer target that is involved in apoptosis inhibition. Therefore Mcl-1 plays a critical role in cancer cell survival. Furthermore, prevention of Mcl-1 functionality has been proved to be cytotoxic for some cancer cell lines. Mcl-1 interacts with Bcl-2 family proteins through a hydrophobic region in the α-helix motif BH3, which is present in Bcl-2 family proteins. Specifically, Mcl-1 is able to bind to pro-apoptotic proteins through the BH3 domain, thus avoiding programmed cell death.

Highly selective inhibition of histone demethylases by de novo macrocyclic peptides

Aberrant histone modifications are associated to several chronic and highly prevalent worldwide inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer. One of the primary reasons leading to this scenario is the mutation or dys-regulation of proteins responsible to read and write post-translational histone modifications, particularly methyltransferases and demethylases, commonly known as KDMs.

Have you ever wondered how will be your life if you were just a little bit smarter? I’m not referring to be Stephen Hawkings, but just having some extra push. One would be able, for example, to be more efficient, or to be more creative, more imaginative or be an encyclopedia of knowledge. What if you could do more things and faster just by taking a pill, just as the protagonist of “Limitless”? He is a writer in a drought stage that, by taking a new nootropic or cognitive enhancer, is converted into a prolific writer and business shark.

It is not far away the time when diseases such as Smallpox or Diphteria were very common among people. Or when the word “cancer” was a clear synonym of death. Scientific research has not only brought understanding of diseases, but has also contributed to the generation of drugs and vaccines. In the field of drugs, small molecules represented the great hope.