Singapore found a mechanism to make cancer cells 'suicide'

Scientists have discovered a new molecular mechanism that promotes cell growth faster than usual and the application of this mechanism causes cancer cells to self-destruct.

Photo: alzaeem-group.com

This is the research result of the team of scientists from Singapore Gene Institute (GIS), University of Oxford and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

The team discovered E2F - a protein that binds to DNA molecules - that could affect cell growth. In some cases of cancer, E2F's increased activity causes cells to grow rapidly. However, this activity can also be adjusted to cause cells to kill themselves.

The team found that the methylation process at E2F could affect cell growth characteristics and reprogram these signs to enable 'suicide' when promoting cancer cells. fast growing.

According to the team, the finding could be used for new ways of treating cancer, especially in developing more effective anti-cancer drugs.