Breakthrough Study Identifies New Target for Cancer Therapeutics
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A new study published in Science reveals a potential pathway for developing more effective cancer treatments by selectively targeting a key protein complex without exacerbating drug resistance. Researchers at Brown University have identified a method to interrupt cell signaling in cancer cells, offering a promising avenue for future drug design.
Researchers have long understood that cancer cells exploit signaling pathways – the complex networks cells use to communicate and respond to their environment – to fuel their growth and survival. The most frequently disrupted pathway in cancer is the PI3K–mTOR–Akt pathway, making it a prime target for therapeutic intervention. However, existing drugs targeting the central protein in this pathway, mTOR, often affect multiple cellular processes, leading to unintended consequences.
The Complexity of mTOR
What distinguishes mTOR is its role as the core component of two distinct protein complexes: mTORC1 and mTORC2. Each complex performs a unique function within the cell. A significant challenge in cancer treatment has been that most mTOR-targeted drugs impact both complexes. According to the study, inhibiting mTORC1 can paradoxically increase cancer cells’ resistance to chemotherapy.
“This helps point the way toward designing drugs that target the cancer-relevant side of the pathway without triggering survival pathways that protect the tumor,” explained a lead researcher.
Targeting mTORC2 for Precision Treatment
The Brown University team’s research focused on unraveling how mTORC2 recognizes its targets. Their findings demonstrate that selectively blocking mTORC2 – without affecting mTORC1 – can effectively disrupt growth signals in cancer cells. This discovery is significant because it suggests a more precise approach to cancer treatment, minimizing the risk of unwanted side effects and drug resistance.
The study details the mechanisms by which mTORC2 operates, providing a foundational understanding for the development of targeted therapies. Researchers are already actively working to translate these findings into new cancer treatments.
“We are excited to share this story because we were able to answer a number of open questions that are important in basic biology and also have therapeutic implications,” a senior official stated.
This research represents a crucial step forward in the ongoing effort to develop more effective and targeted cancer therapies, offering hope for improved outcomes for patients battling this devastating disease.
