Study Reveals Insights Into Protein Linked to Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease

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Traditionally, drugs that are used to treat cancer and Alzheimer’s disease target specific sites on specific protein molecules. They try to match the shape of “pockets” that can be found on each molecule. However, a new study from the University of Notre Dame suggests there may be other approached to targeting these proteins. “Proteins are the nanometer-sized ‘devices’ encoded by our DNA,” said Jeffrey Peng, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry and lead author of the study. “These functions often involve binding to another protein molecule to turn on/off crucial cell signals, such as those controlling the cell cycle. Normally those interactions are under strict regulation. Deregulation of these interactions can lead to hyperactive signaling. If these signals impact the cell cycle, the end result can be cancer or Alzheimer’s disease.” To read more, click here.

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