Scientists Discover New Way To Make Drug-Resistant Cancer Treatable Again
Scientists have discovered a new molecule, UNI418, that disrupts cancer cells' ability to repair DNA, making drug-resistant cancer treatable again. The molecule activates a protein degradation system that breaks down key DNA repair proteins, restoring cancer cells' sensitivity to PARP inhibitors.
A research team led by Kyungjae Myung at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) identified a new way to overcome cancer resistance to treatments. They discovered a small molecule called UNI418 that reduces levels of key DNA repair proteins, including RAD51 and CHK1. UNI418 activates the Cul4A ubiquitin ligase complex, marking specific proteins for destruction. This process breaks down the DNA repair system, making cancer cells vulnerable again. The team tested UNI418 in cell-based experiments and animal models, finding that it improved therapy outcomes and restored response to PARP inhibitors in treatment-resistant cancers. In tumor xenograft experiments, UNI418 reduced tumor growth when combined with the PARP inhibitor Olaparib.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.