Researchers create peptide that induces cell death in cancer cells

Posted on Oct. 13, 2008, 7:02 a.m. in Cancer |

Researchers have created a peptide that binds to a protein, converting it from a cancer-promoting protein to a cancer-killing protein.

The Bcl-2 protein has long been known to protect cancer cells from programmed cell death, or apoptosis, a process that the body uses to destroy cancerous cells. Interest in Bcl-2 led Xiao-kun Zhang and colleagues at Burnham Institute for Medical Research to create a peptide called NuBCP-9 from a protein called Nur77, which is a potent pro-apoptotic (cell death-promoting) protein.  Both laboratory and animal studies showed that NuBCP-9 binds to Bcl-2, converting it into a pro-apoptotic protein, which induced cell death in cancer cells.

“Our results provide insight into Bcl-2 conversion and identify a new direction for Bcl-2-based drug leads and cancer drug development,” said Professor Zhang in a news release issued by Burnham Institute for Medical Research.

Kolluri SK, Zhu X, Zhou X, Lin B, Chen Y, Sun K, Tian X, Town J, Cao X, Lin F, Zhai D, Kitada S, Luciano F, O'Donnell E, Cao Y, He F, Lin J, Reed JC, Satterthwait AC, Zhang XK. A short Nur77-derived peptide converts bcl-2 from a protector to a killer. Cancer Cell. 2008;14:285-298.

News release: Burnham researchers turn cancer friend into cancer foe. Burnham Institute for Medical Research Website. October 7th 2008.

 

  

Health Headlines MORE »

Light Weights an Effective Way to Build Muscle
Lifting less weight more times is just as effective at building muscle as training with heavy weights.
Vision Disease Raises Stroke Risk
People with age-related macular degeneration may be at up to 50% increased risk for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
New Therapies for Cancer & Diabetes Reported at A4M Spring 2012 Congress
Oregano Compound Kills Prostate Cancer Cells
Carvacrol, a compound found in oregano, is shown to induce prostate cancer cell death.
Urban Residents At Greater Cardiovascular Disease Risk
People who live in city centers are twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery calcification, a common precursor to heart disease.
Sports & Energy Drinks May Damage Teeth
The high acidity levels in sports and energy drinks erode tooth enamel.
Grape Extract Decreases Inflammation
Levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) fell by 26% among subjects who received supplementation with resveratrol-rich grape extract for one year.
Berries Help to Preserve Memory
Rich in antioxidants, blueberries and strawberries may delay memory decline in older women by 2.5 years.
Protein at Breakfast Reduces Later-Day Snacking
Teens who consumed 35 grams of protein at breakfast reported greater feelings of fullness and showed improved hormone responses.
Pistachios Promote GI Health
Eating pistachios may positively impact bacterial profile of the digestive tract.
Anti-Aging Conference Anti-Aging Directory Anti-Aging Forum Anti-Aging Forum
Anti-Aging Therapeutics 13
Anti-Aging Forum MLDP Anti-aging jobs Join A4M

ANTI-AGING TIP OF THE DAY

275. Sustainable Environment Supports Human Health
What’s good for the planet is good for people. Researchers from Arizona State University (Arizona, USA) completed a meta-analysis of 120 peer-reviewed publications on the health effects of plastics and plasticizers in lab animals and humans. This study reiterates the fact that the effects to the environment from plastic waste are acute. In the U.S., the average person produces a half-pound of plastic waste every day, and as such, adverse effects to human health are a potential area for grave concern...
» MORE