Researchers created a drug to redirect cancer cells to repair DNA
April 12, 2018 | 00:10 |1251
Cancer is a scourge of humanity and the worst thing that anyone could imagine. After all, cancer cells are the cells of our body, which for some unknown reason begin to divide uncontrollably, forming tumors and metastases. In addition, DNA is damaged in these cells, or rather the p53 gene, which is responsible for the synthesis of a specific protein that initiates and controls apoptosis – the process of getting rid of defective (mutated or infected) cells. This process does not cause inflammatory processes in the body, since cells that have decayed as a result of apoptosis are absorbed by the body's immune system within 90 minutes. However, if p53 is broken, DNA does not react to pathological changes in the cells, which leads to the development of cancer tumors. A group of researchers from the St. Petersburg State Technological University created a drug that redirects cancer cells to repair DNA, and then – to self-destruct.Maya AMANMURADOVA
According to Alexander Garabagiu, professor of St. Petersburg, the scientists completed tests with a new class of p53 protein activators. Drugs on their basis could be a new step toward more effective and safer chemotherapy.
However, sometimes the “activation» of p53 only is not enough. Due to increased activity of a protein called MDM2, which neutralizes the molecules of p53 in cells to prevent their early self-destruction, the effectiveness of p53 is too small.
Scientists have been trying to create or find a molecule that will neutralize the protein and help cells fight against small mutations and larger breakdowns in DNA.
During their experiments, the compound created by Russian researchers was able to kill about 40 percent of cancer cells.
The success of the experiment in the laboratory will enable scientists to conduct clinical trials and subsequently actively use drugs in medical practice.
