American Chemical Society's Weekly PressPac -- March 26, 2008

In a finding that could lead to more effective anti-cancer medication, scientists exposed breast cancer cells to a substance that blocks a protein called ATP synthase. The cancer cells were... Click here for more information.

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First evidence that blocking key energy protein kills cancer cells
Journal of Proteome Research

Researchers in Taiwan report for the first time that blocking a key energy-supplying protein kills cancer cells. The finding, described as the first to test possible medical uses of so-called ATP-synthase inhibitors, may lead to new and more effective anti-cancer medications, according to their report, which is scheduled for the April 4 issue of ACS’ monthly Journal of Proteome Research.

In the new study, Hsueh-Fen Juan and colleagues focused on ATP synthase, a key protein involved in producing the energy-rich molecules of ATP that power all life processes. For years researchers thought that the protein existed only in mitochondria, structures located inside cells that convert nutrients into energy. Recent studies found high levels of ATP synthase on the surface of cancer cells, but until now the medical implications went unexplored.

The researchers analyzed tissue samples from breast cancer patients and found for the first time that the surface of breast cancer cells contains high levels of ATP synthase. In cell studies, exposing breast cancer cells to a substance that blocks ATP synthase killed the cancer cells but did not harm normal cells, the researchers say. The findings suggest that ATP synthase inhibitors may represent a new approach for fighting breast cancer and other cancer types, they say. — MTS

ARTICLE #1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “Targeting Therapy for Breast Carcinoma by ATP Synthase Inhibitor Aurovertin B”

DOWNLOAD FULL TEXT ARTICLE http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/pr700742h

CONTACT:
Hsueh-Fen Juan, Ph.D.
National Taiwan University
Taipei, Taiwan
Phone: 886-2-33664536
Fax: 886-2-23673374
Email:

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Electric shocks boost plants' production of commercially useful chemicals
Biotechnology Progress

Now for some "shocking" news about plants: Exposing plants to electricity can boost production of useful plant chemicals and may provide a cheaper, safer, and more efficient method for producing medicines, pesticides, and other commercially important plant-based materials, researchers in Arizona and Oklahoma report. Their study is scheduled for the April 4 issue of ACS' Biotechnology Progress, a bi-monthly journal.