A new method developed by scientists could pave the way for the creation of new treatments against several serious diseases, including certain forms of cancer that have so far been difficult to treat.
At the center of the study are so-called "molecular adhesives" - molecules that can bind certain proteins to the cell's natural system responsible for eliminating unnecessary or damaged proteins.
In a study published in the journal Science , researchers managed to use this mechanism to destroy the protein KAT2A, which plays a role in the development of several types of cancer. In laboratory tests, the method inhibited the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia cells.
The effects were also observed in experiments with mice, where the researchers used tumors created from cells taken from patients. The results showed that eliminating the targeted protein could affect the survival and spread of cancer cells.
The significance of the discovery goes beyond a single type of cancer. Scientists believe this technology could make it possible to target proteins that have so far been beyond the reach of traditional drugs.
However, the researchers emphasize that this is still an experimental phase. The molecule has not been tested in humans and further studies on safety, side effects and dosing, as well as clinical trials, will be needed before it can be used as a therapy.
Despite these limitations, the discovery is considered an important step in the development of a new class of drugs, which can use the cells' natural mechanisms to eliminate disease-causing proteins. /Telegraph
