Antibiotic molecule found in bacteria stops breast cancer
Scientists have discovered how a molecule that was first discovered in bacteria blocks a protein which causes breast cancer to develop and spread, reveals research published in Nature Chemistry.
Scientists at Cancer Research UK's Cambridge Research Institute, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and The University of Cambridge, have revealed at the molecular level how thiostrepton – a naturally-occurring cancer-protector molecule – 'clamps' a cancer-causing protein called FOXM1, preventing it from working.
FOXM1 is present in greater amounts in breast cancer cells. It attaches to specific stretches of DNA – switching on genes regulating the growth and division of cells. It also causes tumours to spread and triggers the growth of blood vessels which supply tumours with nutrients for growth.
Read the whole article at ecancermedicalscience
Reference
- Hedge, N. S., Sanders, D. A., Rodriguez, R., Balasubramanian, S. (2011). The transcription factor FOXM1 is a cellular target of the natural product thiostrepton. Nature Chemistry DOI: 10.1038/nchem.1114
Keywords: thiostrepton, FOXM1, breast cancer
21. 8. 2011 ecancermedicalscience
