Researchers at Northwestern and Chicago universities have developed a molecular tool that suppresses the “immortality” of cancer cells. Scientists are convinced that the discovery can be a step towards innovative methods of treating oncology.
Cancer cells live forever with the telomerase enzyme. Scientists were able to create a molecule that disables the activity of this enzyme, according to an article published in ACS Chemical Biology .
During the study, specialists had to synthesize more than 200 compounds. In the end, they found a substance called NU-1, which best inhibits telomerase. This substance can “work” together with the medicine, which makes antitumor therapy even more effective.
Earlier, deputy head physician for surgery at the Sverdlovsk Regional Oncology Center, doctor of medical sciences Alexander Dorofeev said that in order to reduce the risk of developing cancer, it is necessary to undergo timely examinations by doctors .
