Scientists from the Technological University of Nanyanga (Singapore) and Lund University (Sweden) have created a synthetic molecule by bioengineering, which successfully destroys cancer cells, according to an Internet publication for girls and women aged 14 to 35 Pannochka. net This molecule is based on a natural protein present in human breast milk that exhibits anti-cancer properties when bound to certain lipids.
Let us recall that lipids are a class of organic substances that consist of hydrogen and carbon, help build cell membranes and store energy.
The protein-lipid complex is known as HAMLET ("Human Alpha-lactalbumin Made Lethal to Tumour cells", which means "human alpha-lactalbumin, deadly for tumor cells"). This substance is effective only against cancer cells, healthy cells it leaves untouched.
More recently, HAMLET has demonstrated high efficacy in colon cancer in laboratory mice. Scientists have successfully identified and isolated specific components of HAMLET-peptide-oleate structures, which have antitumor effect.
The latest breakthroughs were the result of the work of Professor K. Svanborg and Dr. M. Puthkhya and Lund University, as well as Professor G. Gruber from Nanyang Technological University. Discovered the same complex HAMLET scientists from the research group of Professor Svanborg.
The results of recent works were published by authoritative publications Gut and PLoS ONE. Scientists managed to protect laboratory mice genetically modified for the development of colon cancer, using water enriched with the HAMLET complex. This suggests that HAMLET kills emerging cancer cells faster than they can proliferate and grow.
Concerning the creation of a synthetic version of the antitumor molecule Professor Gruber states: "After a detailed study of the original protein, we identified the key components to create a synthetic peptide with HAMLET properties, but even more stable. A synthetic molecule is very resistant to the action of environmental factors and is well preserved, for example, in drinking water, ideal for the delivery of a substance into the body ".
Next steps.
Professor Svanborg said that they are ready to test HAMLET as a therapeutic and preventive measure against colon cancer - this is especially necessary for people with a genetic predisposition to the disease, for which preventive measures are so far limited.
She expressed the hope that after completing all the necessary clinical trials, the drug will be released to the market within the next 5-10 years. Singapore scientists are already negotiating with local research organizations and industrial companies.
medbe. en.
Keywords:.