Data on Protein Misfolding Could Improve Cancer Treatment

Scientists Discover Mechanisms Controlling Protein Folding

Introduction

Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco, and Kyoto University in Japan have discovered the biochemical mechanisms that control protein folding. These mechanisms have been key in understanding the origin of many diseases and developing new therapies.

The Importance of Teamwork in Science

According to Peter Walter, researcher and professor at the University of California, San Francisco, the era of the lone wolf in science is over. He suggests that small groups working in complementary ways are much closer to science. Different laboratory philosophies and approaches mean that we cannot talk about just one lone wolf, but about different packs of wolves with different work styles.

The Research Findings

Walter and researcher Kazutoshi Mori, professor at the Institute for Advanced Study at Kyoto University in Kyoto, Japan, are among the scientists who discovered the biochemical mechanisms that control the folding of proteins, which ensures their proper physiological functioning. They identified the response mechanism that refolds or eliminates proteins when they do not fold correctly, thus preventing them from becoming toxic. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a process that both researchers discovered simultaneously and independently.

Recognition for Their Discoveries

Their findings have revealed how cells control the biogenesis and degradation of proteins, which is essential not only for cellular physiology but also for the pathogenesis and treatment of diseases. Both scientists have been awarded the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Biology and Biomedicine category for these discoveries.

The Use of Their Findings

Their findings have revealed many potential applications, including the development of new effective treatments for multiple diseases and acting on the aging process. For example, molecules capable of mitigating protein folding failures are already being used to combat liver disorders and ALS. Walter highlighted the potential of this therapeutic approach for cancer because cancer cells produce many misfolded proteins. He suggests that by inhibiting this process, we can develop new nontoxic chemotherapies that can help patients explore their situation.

Collaboration with Companies

The researchers are already collaborating with one company to develop anticancer treatments. The two scientists also agree on the need for governments and institutions to allocate more funding to research and manage to give more life to life, to invest in research and not in weapons.

Conclusion

The scientists are satisfied with their findings, but even more so when they think about their translation to the clinic. They believe these findings can help humanity use innovative solutions that combat some of the most severe ailments facing us today, including cancer, liver disease, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Originally Post From https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/data-protein-misfolding-could-improve-cancer-treatment-2024a1000d0g