Stauprimide is known to prime Embryonic Stem Cells (ESC) by targeting the c-Myc-activating transcription factor NME2. Its mechanism of action is linked to the inhibition of the nuclear localization of NME2 leading to the downregulation of the transcription of the c-myc oncogene.

In a recent study, Bouvard C. et al. evidenced that Stauprimide’s mechanism of action could also be used to pharmacologically targetc-myc transcription in cancers.

Research tools aimed at exploring mitochondria are becoming more and more popular and cover multiple experimental applications. They go from primary antibodies validated for immuno-assays (see “10 Mitochondrial marker antibodies“) to fluorescent probes for mitochondria-related events monitor in living-cells (e.g. MitoPeDPP for live cell imaging, mitophagy or singlet Oxygen (1O2) detection…). Here I’d like to introduce 3 new molecules developed by Focus Biomolecules to further decipher mitochondrial biology.

The year 2015 was full of significant publications in the field of ophthalmology. Here’s a snapshot of 2 “proof-of-concept” studies suggesting that “Sterols” could be promising approaches to treat cataract.

Microbial metabolites are a source of unequalled elements for in vitro assays. Sometimes  neglected, these active molecules naturally provide a large spectrum of structural diversity for Drug discovery and antibiotics development programs. In this post, 6 metabolites and their respective properties are highlighted with the hope of refreshing our minds, a little bit, of the importance of such molecules in innovative research discovery.