Article: "Israeli study suggests method to reduce dangers of cancer-causing protein"
May 28, 2021
A new discovery by scientists at Ben Gurion University points to a class of therapies that may limit the dangers of the BRD4 protein, known to stimulate cancer-causing genes when overactive. Boosting the production of the SETD6 enzyme was found to reduce the risks associated with the protein in cells taken from human breast cancer patients, potentially inhibiting activity. The findings not only confirmed the protein-enzyme relationship but also allowed scientists to observe exactly how this interaction takes place in the body.
While drugs and treatments that target specific proteins currently exist, none have targeted the BRD4 protein using the SETD6 enzyme. Increasing the production of the enzyme in the body is likely to inhibit the activity of the protein, and therefore reducing the risk of cancer. The lab is now working to identify drugs that can help regulate the protein-enzyme relationship.
To read the full story, click here: https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-study-suggests-method-to-reduce-dangers-of-cancer-causing-protein/.
*Image used is from the original news article published by The Times of Israel. A 3D illustration of breast cancer (Mohammed Haneefa Nizamudeen via iStock by Getty Images).