U.K. Researchers On Track To Develop Enzyme-Blocking Cancer, Alzheimer's "Wonder Drug"
Scientists at the Imperial College London have discovered a molecule with the potential to block the activity of an enzyme that is responsible for the progression of disease. Further investigation and development could yield a revolutionary and potent treatment for serious diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.
The study, published in Nature Communications, began with extensive profiling of an enzyme known as N-myristoyltransferase (NMT). NMT is capable of making changes to human proteins, and once changed, cells are incapable of apoptosis, or programmed cell death. NMT is known to be a factor in Alzheimer’s disease, and cancers that have become resistant to chemotherapy often have this enzyme to blame. Furthermore, the research team believes that NMT could be driving auto-immune diseases, such as diabetes and parasitic infections.
Using living human cancer cells, researchers identified more than 100 proteins that interact with this enzyme.
The study concludes, “These data indicate many potential novel roles for myristoylation that merit future investigation in both basal cell function and apoptosis, with significant implications for basic biology and for drug development targeting NMT.”
Ed Tate, Professor in the Chemistry Department at the Imperial College, explained that by clarifying the form and function of NMT, scientists on his team have opened up a world of potential.
His team has identified a molecule which could effectively inhibit the enzyme’s activity. If this molecule is found to be safe in humans, it could lead to the development of treatments for a wide range of diseases.
He explained to the Telegraph, “This work opens a completely new avenue for the treatment of these diseases and works very differently from other drugs currently under development.”
Emma Smith, Cancer Research UK’s senior officer, confirmed the promise of the research. “Drugs targeting the molecule the team studied could make current cancer treatments more potent and help stop the cancer coming back.”
Smith, the NHS, and researchers all urge cautious optimism. It could be years or even decades before this molecule is fully investigated.
Tate admits, “There are many hurdles to get over.”