Breakthrough in the fight once morest cancer that was previously difficult to treat
Researchers have one new molecule synthesizes that one kills a wide range of cancer cells. To do this, the molecule uses a weak point in cells that previously might not be reached by other drugs.
In a recent study involving experts from University of Texas at Dallas identified a new way to treat solid tumors using a small molecule called ERX-41 triggers the death of tumor cells. The results were published in the journal “Nature Cancer“ published.
Structure of the investigation
The investigation included isolated cells in human cancer tissue. In addition, the effects on human cancer were also analyzed, which in mice was bredreports the team.
Effects of ERX-41 on breast cancer
In the research work, the novel synthesized compound ERX-41 on their effect once morest breast cancer cells studied once morest both those containing estrogen receptors (ERs) and those without estrogen receptors.
Triple negative breast cancer is difficult to treat
While effective treatments are available for patients with ER-positive breast cancer, there are only few treatment options for Women with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which lack receptors for estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor 2, the researchers explain.
Triple-negative breast cancer predominantly affects women Age under 40 years and her with worse treatment outcomes associated than is the case with other types of breast cancer.
ERX-41 only kills tumor cells
„The ERX-41 compound did not kill healthy cells but killed tumor cells, regardless of whether the cancer cells had estrogen receptors. In fact, it killed the triple-negative breast cancer cells better than the ER-positive cells‘ explains the author of the study dr Jung-Mo Ahn from the University of Texas at Dallas in a press release.
„That was a mystery to us. We knew it had to target something other than the estrogen receptors in the TNBC cells, but we didn’t know what that was‘ adds the doctor.
ERX-41 binds to LIPA
Eventually, researchers found that ERX-41 binds to a cellular protein called lysosomal acid lipase A (LIPA). LIPA is located in a cellular structure known as Endoplasmatisches Reticulum referred to as. This is what is known as an organelle Processes and folds proteins.
Cancer cells produce a lot of LIPA
„In order for a tumor cell to grow rapidly, it must produce many proteins, and this puts stress on the endoplasmic reticulum. Cancer cells clearly produce too much LIPA, much more than healthy cells“, reports Dr. Ahn.
By binding to LIPA, ERX-41 blocks protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, causing it to swell. This leads to cell death.
„Triple-negative breast cancer is particularly insidious—it strikes women at a younger age, it’s aggressive, and it’s treatment-resistant. I’m really glad we discovered something that has the potential to make a meaningful difference for these patients“, explains Dr. ancestor
Drug shrunk cancer tumors and killed cancer cells
The active ingredient was successfully tested on mice harboring human forms of cancerous tumors. By feeding the active ingredient were the existing tumors smaller. In addition, healthy mice no adverse effects of the active substance established.
In addition, according to the team, the molecule was also found to be effective in Killing cancer cells in human tissue and the researchers also found that ERX-41 is also effective once morest other cancers with increased endoplasmic reticulum stress.
This also includes difficult-to-treat cancers of the pancreas and ovaries and even that Glioblastom, the most aggressive and deadliest primary brain tumor, the team reports. (as)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- Xihui Liu, Suryavathi Viswanadhapalli, Shourya Kumar, Tae-Kyung Lee, Andrew Moore, et al.: Targeting LIPA independent of its lipase activity is a therapeutic strategy in solid tumors via induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress; in: Nature Cancer (veröffentlicht 02.06.2022), Nature Cancer
- University of Texas at Dallas: Scientists Discover New Molecule That Kills Hard-To-Treat Cancers (veröffentlicht 09.06.2022), University of Texas at Dallas
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.