Advances in new treatments for diseases, including cancer, come about from innovative research with therapeutic potential.

‘Interaction between Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) accelerates the metabolism of tumor cells, thus favoring their growth and division. Researchers at IRB Barcelona are designing compounds that block the binding of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) to its receptor (EGFR).’

"In this study, we demonstrate that EGF, a highly elusive and versatile protein with respect to the shape it adopts, is a viable drug target. Furthermore, it is worth noting that we still don't have compounds that are strong enough to allow us to progress towards studies in animal models. But we are heading in the right direction and are opening up a new avenue," said Ernest Giralt, head of the lab and co-leader of the study together with Laura Nevola, an associate researcher in his lab. 




Salvador Guardiola has synthesized nine peptides and has tested their efficacy using various biophysics techniques. One particular peptide, called cp28, which has a very similar structure to that of EGFR, has given the best results.
"Peptides are short chains of amino acids with immense potential as drugs because they can show target specificity, they can be synthesized in the lab, and they are cheaper and more robust than antibodies," explains Guardiola.
For a peptide to have a future as a drug, it must have certain characteristics, such as strong binding to the target - referred to in science as having high affinity - which indicates the degree of specificity, and sufficient duration in blood. "We always attempt to design peptides that have these features as they are a prerequisite for drug design purposes," explains Guardiola.
Regarding the continuity of the project, Giralt, also senior professor at the University of Barcelona, said, "Now we have validation of the proof of concept and are able to continue exploring EGF as a target. The next step is to design more and better compounds in order to extend the library of peptides that act against EGF."
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Source-Eurekalert