Australian Researchers Identify Compounds to Block Cancer Growth

Western Australian researchers say they have identified compounds that could possibly help block cancer cell growth.

Western Australian researchers say they have identified compounds that could possibly help block cancer cell growth.

Led by Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) Director Professor Peter Klinken, the scientists have screened a large collection of drug-like molecules and recently identified a number of compounds which can increase levels of the Hls5, the gene known to block growth of cancerous cells.

"This discovery is very encouraging and a great step forward in our quest to create new cancer treatments," said Professor Klinken.

"Because of the role Hls5 plays in keeping cell growth at a normal rate, we expect that these compounds will greatly slow down the growth of cancer cells."

The Hls5 tumour suppressor gene was reported by Professor Klinken's team in 2004.

The group's research has revealed that people who don't have the gene - or those who have a mutated or inactive form of the gene - are more likely to develop certain types of cancer.

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In conjunction with WA-based biotechnology company BioPharmica, the WAIMR team has spent more than a year screening 70,000 compounds which increase Hls5 levels.

"Our preliminary data reveals that several of these compounds do indeed markedly slow down the growth of human cancer cells," said Professor Klinken.

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"Importantly, we also know through computer modeling that nearly all of these compounds have drug-like qualities."

"From here, we take the research to the next phase of laboratory testing with the ultimate hope of investigating if one of these molecules can be used to create a fresh treatment that can slow growth of cancer cells in patients."



Source-Medindia
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