Scientists at New York University Abu Dhabi have discovered that a protein called Par-4 (prostate apoptotic response protein-4) can trigger a unique type of cancer cell killing called ferroptosis. The research results published In the journal Communication Biology (ComBio).
Scientists have explained that the Par-4 repressor protein is expressed in humans and animals in cancer, but its production is often reduced, transformed or inactivated depending on the type of cancer. A new study using tissue samples from laboratory mice and people with glioblastoma (an aggressive form of brain tumor) shows that increased Par-4 activity can kill cancer cells through ferroptosis.
Ferroptosis is a form of necrosis in which the products of phospholipid peroxidation, one of the main components of all cell membranes, accumulate in the cell. In the presence of iron ions, cells begin to break down. Scientists have noted that ferroptosis may be associated with various pathologies, for example, damage to brain and heart tissue. However, Par-4 can trigger this process only in cancer cells, without affecting healthy cells.
According to scientists, the use of Par-4 modulating drugs could increase the effectiveness of current cancer treatments. The researchers noted that Par-4 treatment could potentially be useful in drug-resistant cancers.
Earlier scientists developed A new method for rapid cancer detection.