Forum for Science, Industry and Business
Sponsored by:     Siemens  n-tv 
Search our Site:

Topic (optional):

 

Home Reports Life Sciences Content

Computer predicts anti-cancer molecules

next article
17.06.2008

A new computer-based method of analyzing cellular activity has correctly predicted the anti-tumour activity of several molecules.

 

Research published today in BioMed Central’s open access journal Molecular Cancer describes ‘CoMet’ – a tool that studies the integrated machinery of the cell and predicts those components that will have an effect on cancer.


...more about:
metabolites Molecules predicts

Jeffrey Skolnick, in collaboration with John McDonald, led a team from the Georgia Institute of Technology who have developed this new strategy. As Skolnick explains, “This opens up the possibility of novel therapeutics for cancer and develops our understanding of why such metabolites work. CoMet provides a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cancer”.

The small molecules that are naturally produced in cells are called metabolites. Enzymes, the biological catalysts that produce and consume these metabolites are created according to a cell’s genetic blueprints. Importantly, however, the metabolites can also affect the expression of genes. According to the authors “By comparing the gene expression levels of cancer cells relative to normal cells and converting that information into the enzymes that produce metabolites, CoMet predicts metabolites that have lower concentrations in cancer relative to normal cells”.

The research proves that by adding such putatively depleted metabolites to cancer cells, they exhibit anticancer properties. In this case, growth of leukemia cells was slowed by all nine of the metabolites suggested by CoMet.

The future for this treatment looks bright, in McDonald’s words, “While we have only performed cell proliferation assays, it is reasonable to speculate that some metabolites may also exhibit many other anticancer properties. These could be important steps on the road to a cure”.

Charlotte Webber | Source: alphagalileo
Further information: www.molecular-cancer.com/
www.biomedcentral.com

Further Reports about: metabolites Molecules predicts

next article

More articles from Life Sciences:

nachricht Genome sequence for the domestic horse to be unveiled
06.11.2009 | University of California - Davis

nachricht Common plants can eliminate indoor air pollutants
06.11.2009 | American Society for Horticultural Science

All articles from Life Sciences >>>

B2B Search

Product / Service
Company / Organisation

Latest News

Airborne nitrogen shifts aquatic nutrient limitation in pristine lakes

06.11.2009 | Studies and Analyses

Genome sequence for the domestic horse to be unveiled

06.11.2009 | Life Sciences

New Study in Geology Uses Satellite Imagery to Identify Active Magma Systems in East Africa’s Rift Valley

06.11.2009 | Earth Sciences

VideoLinks

Event News

Texas Tech University Hosts Major Textile Conference in India

06.11.2009 | Event News

Brief Highlights of the Fluid Dynamics Conference, Minneapolis

30.10.2009 | Event News

EUROSAFE Forum 2009 Brussels: "Safety Implications of an Increased Demand for Nuclear Energy"

29.10.2009 | Event News