Finnish researchers discover promising novel targets for cancer treatment
© Tekes, Matias Uusikylä Cancer molecule research of the University of Helsinki and Academy of Finland sifted through 40 000 molecule compounds, which provided researchers promising cancer drug candidates.The cancer biology research carried out by the University of Helsinki and the Academy of Finland sifted through 40 000 molecule compounds, which provided the researchers promising cancer drug candidates. The growth-constraining p53 gene directs the dividing of the cell and the protein, which regulates cancer death by protecting normal cells from malignant transformation.
The molecules, which were discovered by Academy of Finland’s research team operating at the Center of Excellence in Cancer Biology, directed by Professor Marikki Laiho, prevented the growth of cancer cells isolated from different cancer types. Two of these molecules were discovered to slow down the growth of aggressive PEL lymphoma in mice.
The research investigated also the functional mechanisms of these molecules in the cells. The researched molecules activated the p53 pathway, as a result of which cell division and death stopped.
– It is of significant importance that most of the researched molecules do not cause DNA damages in the cells, unlike many more traditional cancer treatments, says Laiho.
– Further research has shown that the functional mechanisms of the recently discovered molecules are not identical with the functional mechanisms of known cancer drugs, Laiho adds.
Also Professor Pirjo Laakkonen’s research team from the University of Helsinki and Professor Richard Jones’ team from Johns Hopkins University took part in the research.
research.med.helsinki.fi/cancerbio/
MT
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