 |
|
Discovery about obesity drug helping scientists develop new cancer treatments
July 09, 2007WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Based on their surprising discovery that an obesity drug can kill cancer cells, scientists at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have made a new finding about the drug's effects and are working to design more potent cancer treatments.
Published online today in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, the study is the first to report how the drug orlistat (Xenical® or Alli®) binds and interacts with a protein found in tumor cells. The drug blocks the protein's function and causes cell death.
The project started five years ago when Steven Kridel, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Cancer Biology, analyzed prostate cancer cells to see which enzymes were expressed at high levels. His hope was that treatments to inhibit those enzymes could also stop tumor growth.
"We found that a protein known as fatty acid synthase is expressed at high levels in prostate tumor cells, and is fairly absent in normal cells," said Kridel.
Other research has shown that the protein is found in many tumor cells including breast, colon, ovarian, liver, lung and brain.
"High levels of fatty acid synthase correlate with a poor prognosis so it is a great treatment target," said Kridel. "This makes an exciting treatment target because theoretically you don't have to worry about harming nearby healthy tissue."
Unfortunately, orlistat itself cannot be used as a cancer treatment because, while it can kill cancer cells in the laboratory, in humans it is designed to act only in the digestive tract.
"Understanding this drug-protein interaction is essential for designing new drugs," said W. Todd Lowther, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry. "We've used a technique known as X-ray crystallography and now have a three-dimensional snapshot of the drug interacting with the protein."
"Our goal is to develop an orlistat-like drug that can get into the bloodstream and go to the site of a tumor," said Lowther.
Once they developed the three-dimensional map of the interaction, Lowther and Kridel began screening hundreds of thousands of compounds to identify those that interact with cancer cells in the same way as orlistat. They have narrowed the list of possibilities down to a dozen and will now work to optimize the compounds in hopes of creating potent cancer treatments. The drugs will first be tested in animals and then in human cancer patients.
Fatty acid synthase is also found in fat cells, which suggests that if the scientists are successful in developing an anti-cancer drug, it could also be an effective obesity drug.
"You might have the same drug for treating a cancer patient as an obese patient," said Lowther.
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
"We found that a protein known as fatty acid synthase is expressed at high levels in prostate tumor cells, and is fairly absent in normal cells," said Kridel.
Other research has shown that the protein is found in many tumor cells including breast, colon, ovarian, liver, lung and brain.
"High levels of fatty acid synthase correlate with a poor prognosis so it is a great treatment target," said Kridel. "This makes an exciting treatment target because theoretically you don't have to worry about harming nearby healthy tissue."
Unfortunately, orlistat itself cannot be used as a cancer treatment because, while it can kill cancer cells in the laboratory, in humans it is designed to act only in the digestive tract.
"Understanding this drug-protein interaction is essential for designing new drugs," said W. Todd Lowther, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry. "We've used a technique known as X-ray crystallography and now have a three-dimensional snapshot of the drug interacting with the protein."
"Our goal is to develop an orlistat-like drug that can get into the bloodstream and go to the site of a tumor," said Lowther.
Once they developed the three-dimensional map of the interaction, Lowther and Kridel began screening hundreds of thousands of compounds to identify those that interact with cancer cells in the same way as orlistat. They have narrowed the list of possibilities down to a dozen and will now work to optimize the compounds in hopes of creating potent cancer treatments. The drugs will first be tested in animals and then in human cancer patients.
Fatty acid synthase is also found in fat cells, which suggests that if the scientists are successful in developing an anti-cancer drug, it could also be an effective obesity drug.
"You might have the same drug for treating a cancer patient as an obese patient," said Lowther.
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Cancer Cells Current Events and Cancer Cells News RSSApproved lymphoma drug shows promise in early tests against bone cancer
A drug already approved for the treatment of lymphoma may also slow the growth of the most deadly bone cancer in children and teens, according to an early-stage study published online today in the International Journal of Cancer.
First use of antibody and stem cell transplantation to successfully treat advanced leukemia
For the first time, researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have reported the use of a radiolabeled antibody to deliver targeted doses of radiation, followed by a stem cell transplant, to successfully treat a group of leukemia and pre-leukemia patients for whom there previously had been no other curative treatment options.
New Synthetic Molecules Trigger Immune Response to HIV and Prostate Cancer
Researchers at Yale University have developed synthetic molecules capable of enhancing the body's immune response to HIV and HIV-infected cells, as well as to prostate cancer cells. Their findings, published online in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for these diseases.
Taking aim at mysterious DNA structures in the battle against cancer
Designers of anti-cancer drugs are aiming their arrows at mysterious chunks of the genetic material DNA that may play a key role in preventing the growth and spread of cancer cells, according to an article in the current issue of Chemical & Engineering News, ACS' weekly newsmagazine.
Experimental agent reduces breast cancer metastasis to bone
Researchers have reduced breast cancer metastasis to bone using an experimental agent to inhibit ROCK, a protein that was found to be over-expressed in metastatic breast cancer.
Short-term hormone therapy and intermediate dose radiation increases survivial for early stage prostate cancer
Short-term hormone therapy given prior to and during intermediate dose radiation treatment for men with early stage prostate cancer increases their chance of living longer, compared to those who receive the same radiation alone.
Study reveals a 'missing link' in immune response to disease
The immune system's T cells have the unique responsibilities of being both jury and executioner. They examine other cells for signs of disease, including cancers or infections, and, if such evidence is found, rid them from the body. Precisely how T cells shift so swiftly from one role to another, however, has been a mystery.
Discovery offers potential new pancreatic cancer treatment
Tiny particles that can carry drugs and target cancer cells may offer treatment hope for those suffering with pancreatic cancer. New research to be presented in November at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting in Los Angeles reveals that tumor-penetrating microparticles (TPM) have been specifically designed to break through hard-to-infiltrate barriers and deliver drugs more effectively and efficiently than the standard form of chemotherapy such as those injected through a vein.
Early-stage, HER2-positive breast cancer patients at increased risk of recurrence
Early-stage breast cancer patients with HER2 positive tumors one centimeter or smaller are at significant risk of recurrence of their disease, compared to those with early-stage disease who do not express the aggressive protein, according to a study led by researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
A Potential Anti-cancer Agent
Pateamine A (PatA), a natural product first isolated from marine sponges, has attracted considerable attention as a potential anti-cancer agent, and now a new activity has been found for it, which may reveal yet another anti-cancer mechanism.
More Cancer Cells Current Events and Cancer Cells News Articles
 |
One Renegade Cell: The Quest For The Origin Of Cancer (Science Masters) by Robert A. Weinberg (Author) For everyone whose life has been touched by cancer, One Renegade Cell tells the story of the search for the ultimate causes of this dreaded disease. "One Renegade Cell…offers a breathtaking picture, both wonderful and frightening, of the fantastic intricacy of aberrant cellular functioning." -New York Times "Part primer, part history and part meditation. [One Renegade Cell] succeeds on all counts." -Wall Street Journal One of the leading cancer researchers in the world, Robert A. Weinberg is perfectly suited to describe the search for cancer's origins from the early days of this century to the present. Presuming little knowledge of biology, he tells how a cancer-causing virus was first discovered in 1909, how the correlation was made between chemical ... |
 |
Cancer Cell Culture: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Medicine) by Simon P. Langdon (Editor) Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK. Describes easy-to-follow methods for guiding researchers on new techniques in cell and molecular biology of cancer, Features the basic concept of cancer cell culture and general techniques used in many cell culture facilities. Also covers the isolation of specific cancer cell types. For researchers. |
 |
Destroying Cancer Cells Using Your Subconscious Mind a Guided Imagery and Subliminal program Starring: Steve Murray Directed By: Steve Murray The DVD has two separate "Destroying Cancer Cells" self-help programs: A Guided Imagery and a Subliminal program. Both have easy-to-follow directions and can be used before, during, and after cancer treatments. Guided Imagery is the language of the mind. It is a way of communicating with parts of the body that cannot speak in words. You will learn this language in the DVD. Research has shown Guided Imagery is a powerful self-help tool. The Guided Imagery program starts with a relaxation technique, then guides you through ten imagery segments. Subliminal Messages have been used for years by advertisers to reprogram and change one s subconscious mind about their products. With this DVD, you will use Subliminal Message s for your benefit. During the subliminal program all you have to do is... |
 |
Maximum Intenational Maximize Graviola 750, 750mg Graviola, 100 Veggie Caps by Maximum International Having attracted worldwide interest as an inhibitor of malignant cell growth, this remarkable Amazonian herb has been studied in more than 20 laboratory tests for its anti-tumor and cell protective qualities. The best Graviola on the market. Maximum Int'l. is the company with the most potent products available. Lab tested to make sure the ingredients are of the most superior quality and highes quality raw materials available. This product is manufactured in an FDA inspected and GMP certified facility. Quality is guaranteed. |
 |
Cancer Research / Testing Cells Directed By: Rex Barnett |
 |
Breast Cancer Awareness Cell Phone Case - Pink by Vertik Breast Cancer Awareness Cell Phone Case - Pink Pink Ribbon Embossed Vertik Universal Case. Constructed of Durable Impact resistant material. Fits These Model Numbers: Audiovox CDM-8500, CDM-8600, CDM-8615, CDM-8900, CDM-8910, Flasher_V7, PM-8920, Vox_8610, Kyocera 5135, KX1_SoHo, KX1v, S-14_OPAL, LG 1010, C1300, C1300i, C1500, C2000, G4010_G4011, G4015, G4050, L1150, L1200, L1400, L1400i, LX1200, VI125, VX 1, VX 10, VX3100, VX3100L, VX3200, VX4400, VX4500, VX4600, VX6000, VX6100, Motorola A840, E310, E815, T720c, T720i, T721, T722i, T725e, T730, T731c, V170, V173, V180, V186, V188, V190, V220, V260, V262, V265, V266, V276, V300, V330, V360, V400, V505, V540, V551, V555, V557, V600, V60c, V60g, V60i, V60t, V60ti, V60v, V60x, V66, V710, V810, Nokia 3155i, 6101, 6102, 6255i, 6256i,... |
 |
Cell Phone Strap - Breast Cancer Support Pink Ribbon - 8" by Trutex |
![Dissolving & Destroying Cancer Cells "A Guided Imagery Program" [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41JQAV3VE9L._SL160_.jpg) |
Dissolving & Destroying Cancer Cells "A Guided Imagery Program" [VHS] Also With: steve murray (Primary Contributor) Steve Murray the author of "Cancer Guided Imagery Program for Radiation, Chemotherapy, Surgery and Recovery" now has a series of DVDs and Videos that will help you: Tap into the Healing Power of the Body and Mind Connection This program when used in conjunction with your prescribed medical treatment shows you how to do just that. With easy to understand explanations and directions, you will be able to start a Cancer Guided Imagery Program right away. Guided Imagery is the language of the mind. It is a way of communicating with parts of ourselves that cannot speak in words. You will use this language in the program. Program Includes: -Directions on how to do program-Guided relaxation and ten Cancer Guided Imagery segments-Soothing music, calm peaceful images- Verbal and... |
|
Cancer and the Immune System : Cell-to-Cell Communication, An Introduction (31 minute colour VHS video) (NTSC video) by Spektrum Videothek Produced in Germany. In English. "This documentary focuses on... findings in immunilogical research." | |
 |
Fight Against Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer Sweatshirt XX-Large White by Shop Zeus |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |