Neuroblastomas are tumors of the nervous system. They can form in many places in the body and are the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in young children.
Reviewed by Lily Ramsey, LLMAug 25 2023 A team of researchers at University Medicine Halle has discovered the processes involved in the development of neuroblastomas. The protein IGF2BP1 is considered the spark that can ignite a whole wildfire of cancer-causing processes. In preclinical trials, the team used a molecule that was able to inhibit IGF2BP1 and extinguish this spark. The results of this new potential therapeutic approach have been published in the journal Molecular Cancer.
The protein IGF2BP1 is present at the beginning of life and ensures that cells grow rapidly during embryonic development. Later on, its presence is linked to various tumors. In this current study, the researchers analyzed the genetic characteristics of the tumors of 100 children suffering from neuroblastoma, and performed extensive cell culture experiments and experiments on mice. "In short, IGF2BP1 causes that another protein is produced in abundance.
More than half of children with high-risk neuroblastomas relapse. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed to more effectively treat this type of childhood cancer. German Cancer Aid and the German Research Foundation provide funding for such projects at the University Medicine Halle with the aim of identifying the main drivers behind cancer and counteracting them using novel small-molecule drugs.
It would be very promising to specifically inhibit IGF2BP1, since it is not normally produced after infancy - except in cancer cells." The team has now successfully tested such a molecule in close cooperation with the Institute of Pharmacy at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. "Our drug candidate has so far shown no adverse effects in initial preclinical trials and can be used as the basis of further developments.
Professor Hüttelmaier has been studying the protein IGF2BP1 for more than 20 years: "We began by studying neurons until we suddenly stumbled upon the fact that this protein is particularly prevalent in cancer." Based on clinical data, Professor Hüttelmaier's team was able to demonstrate in 2015 that IGF2BP1 plays a role in the development of neuroblastomas.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New therapeutic approach for the treatment of neuroblastoma in young childrenNeuroblastomas are tumors of the nervous system. They can form in many places in the body and are the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in young children. A team of researchers at University Medicine Halle has discovered the processes involved in the development of neuroblastomas.
Read more »
Stowers researchers reveal why certain anti-cancer drugs can cause unexpected side effectsWith around 90% of drugs failing to make it to market, the potential for improving efficiency within the drug development industry is clear. Drugs designed to combat cancers suffer similar rates of failure for many reasons.
Read more »
Researchers find vaccine may reduce severity of long-haul COVID symptomsGetting a COVID-19 vaccine may not only reduce a person's risk of getting long-haul COVID, but also could mean fewer symptoms for people who develop the condition.
Read more »
UC researchers study parasite that causes Chagas diseaseAlmost everything about insects called kissing bugs is revolting, from the insidious way they bite people's faces at night to drink their blood while they sleep to the way they spread disease through their poop.
Read more »
Oxford researchers find DNA in ancient clay brickExperts from the University of Oxford found evidence of cabbage from 2,900 years ago.
Read more »
Researchers on the cusp of a new vaccine modality breakthroughProfessor Bernd Rehm and Dr. Shuxiong Chen from the Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery (GRIDD) and Griffith's Center for Cell Factories and Biopolymers have succeeded in developing a new vaccine modality that is a stable particulate vaccine.
Read more »