Scientists Disarm Cancer Protein

New technique neutralizes 'undruggable' factor

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 12, 2009 1:45 AM CST

(Newser) – Scientists believe they have found a way to neutralize a protein involved in cancer formation that was previously considered "undruggable." The researchers, experimenting on mice, created chemical "staples" to mold snippets of protein into shapes capable of disrupting the protein's function. The protein is linked to runaway cell growth in leukemia and other cancers, but it was disarmed by the stapled peptides in tests, and tumors receded.

The research is "very interesting," a cancer research expert told the BBC. "The new chemical has only been tested in mice so far, and so we don't know how it will behave in humans," he said. "But, long-term, it may lead to alternative drugs and better treatments for this kind of leukemia and maybe other cancers."

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The protein, called NOTCH, drives the uncontrolled cell growth that fuels tumors when it mutates. (Shutter Stock)

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Stapled peptides promise to significantly expand the range of what's considered 'druggable.' - Researcher Greg Verdine

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Scientists Disarm Cancer Protein