JERUSALEM, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Israeli researchers have developed a new drug-like compound that can destroy a key cancer-driving protein that could not be targeted in current cancer treatments, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem said in a statement on Wednesday.
The breakthrough targets HuR, also known as ELAVL1, an RNA-binding protein that protects and stabilizes cancer-related genes. HuR is overproduced in many types of cancer, especially aggressive breast cancer, and helps tumor cells grow and survive. Due to its flexible structure and lack of a clear binding site, it has long resisted traditional drug therapies.
In a new study published in JACS Au, the researchers developed a compound called MG-HuR2. Instead of just blocking HuR, the compound causes it to be broken down by the cell's protein-disposal system.
The results showed that the new compound reduced HuR levels in breast cancer cells up to 85 percent, disrupted cancer-promoting genes, and significantly slowed tumor growth in lab tests.
It showed strong activity even at extremely low doses and met all key criteria for potential drug use.
The team also discovered an unusual hook effect in how the compound works. Its activity dipped at medium doses but returned at higher ones, which is believed to result from MG-HuR2 binding at multiple sites on the HuR protein.
The researchers said MG-HuR2 opens the door to targeting other difficult proteins and could lead to new treatments for various cancers and inflammatory diseases. ■
