Israeli researchers aim to combat Necrosis

Historically elusive, the enigmatic nature of necrosis has impeded the development of effective treatments.

However, Ilana Nathan's research, detailed in their recent publication, has harnessed biochemical methodologies and siRNA library screening to unravel the proteolytic activities fundamental to necrotic processes.

The findings were published in a recent article titled "Targeting Necrosis: Elastase-like Protease Inhibitors Curtail Necrotic Cell Death Both In Vitro and in Three In Vivo Disease Models”.

The primary objective of the research team was to identify inhibitors of the necrotic pathway, laying the groundwork for the development of new molecules. Strategies included repurposing existing drugs for different ailments and utilising siRNAs.

These inhibitors exhibited protective effects in both laboratory tests (in vitro) and animal models (in vivo), encompassing conditions such as traumatic brain injury, acute myocardial infarction, and drug-induced liver damage.

The potential impact on human health is vast, with numerous diseases and conditions linked to necrotic cell death, including myocardial infarction, stroke, acute renal failure, osteomyelitis, chronic hepatitis, gangrene, and more.

Notably, in Alzheimer's, preventing the early stages of neuronal necrosis has been shown to eliminate the disease.