The first 3-dimensional image of cancer chemotherapy

Scientists from Indiana University School of Medicine and Purdue School of Science, affiliated with Indiana University and Purdue University, created three-dimensional images of the process of identifying a chemotherapeutic substance and clinging to DNA. . The research is published online in the National Science Institute's Reports, helping scientists develop better chemotherapy chemicals for different cancers.

Using X-ray crystallography, the scientists produced three-dimensional images at the molecular level of bleomycin that binds to DNA molecules. X-ray crystallography is a widely used analytical method, in which X-rays are controlled through crystals and the result is interpreted from diffraction patterns of X-rays.

According to Dr. Millie M. Georgiadis, lecturer in biochemistry and molecular biology at Indiana University Medical School and Purdue School of Science 'Although people have studied bleomycin for 40 years and gained quite a bit of mechanical knowledge. The active mechanism of this drug does not have three-dimensional images nor does it fully understand how the drug determines and binds to DNA. If we want to enhance the properties of the drug that makes it a better chemotherapy, it is necessary to understand its working mechanism in detail. ' Dr. Millie and Dr. Eric C. Long, chemistry and biochemistry lecturer at Purdue School of Science, are the main authors of this work.

Bleomycin-based chemotherapy was successfully pioneered at Indiana University Medical School thanks to Lawrence H. Einhorn, an oncologist, an outstanding medical professor. Bleomycin's multi-chemical therapies that turn off toxins are currently the standard method of treating prostate cancer. Because this substance causes lung damage, bleomycin is often not used in other cancer treatments.

Dr. Georgiadis, a structural biologist, said: 'Our three-dimensional image capturing the bleomycin structure provides additional useful knowledge about how this chemical comes into contact with DNA so we can catch Early thinking of creating a better drug with less toxins. Since it is a chemical targeted at DNA, there will be no limit to what can be applied to bleomycin if we can reduce toxins. '

Many other effective therapeutic chemicals are also chemicals that target DNA.

Image of bleomycin binds to DNA.Different colors emphasize different parts of bleomycin: green bithiazole, red connector, yellow metal junction, purple dissacharide and green color Co (III).(Photo by Kristie Goodwin)