For years, scientists have been trying to shut down an especially insidious protein that plays a role in the Growth and spread of Cancer—but without success. Now, researchers at the University of Bath have discovered a way to stop this protein in its tracks. In what has been described as a landmark study, their approach could open up a whole new world of cancer treatments. Let’s take a closer look.
If you imagine cancer as a rogue building project—where certain workers (proteins) keep telling cells to build and grow, even when they shouldn’t—one of the worst offenders is a protein called cJun. In healthy cells, cJun helps regulate processes like cell growth and division. But when cJun becomes overactive, it can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, helping tumors to spread—a hallmark of cancer.
This overactivity has been observed in various cancers, including breast and lung cancer, making cJun a significant target for therapeutic intervention. Unfortunately, designing drugs to inhibit cJun has been a formidable challenge due to its structure and function, leading many to label it “undruggable.” That is, until now.
The team at the University of Bath figured out a way to permanently block cJun using specially designed molecules called peptides (tiny chains of proteins). These peptides stick to cJun like glue, preventing it from contributing to cancer growth. Even better, the block is irreversible—it’s not just slowing cJun down, it’s shutting it off for good.
Dr. Andy Brennan, first author of the study, compared the peptides to harpoons that latch onto cJun and won’t let go. “We’d previously identified reversible inhibitors but this is the first time we’ve managed to block a transcription factor irreversibly with a peptide inhibitor,” he added.
In other words, once the harpoon is in place, cJun can no longer trigger cancer growth.
To identify the best peptides for the job, the researchers used an innovative new screening method called the Transcription Block Survival (TBS) assay. This allowed them to test thousands of different peptides inside live cells to see which ones were actually working.
To delve, just a bit, into the science-y part: The TBS assay works by inserting specific DNA sequences that cJun typically binds to into an essential gene within lab-grown cells. When cJun attaches to these sequences, it blocks the gene’s function, leading to cell death. However, if a peptide inhibitor successfully prevents cJun from binding, the gene remains active, and the cell survives. This indicates that the peptide is effective in neutralizing cJun’s harmful activity.
This method is a big improvement over traditional drug testing, where molecules are usually tested outside of living cells, which can lead to misleading results. For instance, a compound might appear effective in a test tube but fail to perform within the complex environment of a living cell. The TBS assay addresses this issue by evaluating peptide activity directly in the cellular context, increasing the likelihood that only the most promising candidates are advanced for further development
This breakthrough is exciting because it’s not just about cJun. If researchers can successfully block this so-called “undruggable” protein, it could open the door to targeting many other cancer-causing proteins that were previously difficult, or impossible, to treat.
“We hope this Technology can in the future uncover other promising drug candidates for previously ‘undruggable’ targets,” Jody Mason, Professor of Biochemistry in the University of Bath’s Department of Life Sciences, told Sci-Tech Daily.
The next step is testing these peptide inhibitors in real cancer models to see if they work in living organisms, not just in lab-grown cells. If they pass those tests, the treatment could eventually move into clinical trials, where they’d be tested in humans.
For years, scientists have been frustrated by cJun and other “untouchable” cancer proteins. But thanks to this new research, we might finally have a way to turn off these dangerous growth signals once and for all.
While more study is needed before this becomes an available treatment, the discovery is a major step forward. It could be the beginning of a new generation of cancer-fighting medicines—ones that go after the most stubborn, hard-to-target parts of the disease. And that’s really good news for the future of cancer treatment.
Nearly half of all US cancer deaths may be prevented by making these 6 lifestyle changes
Foods that help to fight cancer
A blood test that screens for multiple cancers at once promises to boost early detection
The big benefits of small fish for health and longevity
Content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition.
Notifications
