Menu
20/01/2006
Cancer cell-death 'breakthrough' claimed by Queen's Professor
A Belfast researcher has claimed a major breakthrough in understanding the complex process of cell-death that could offer a means to halt cancer cells.
In conjunction with Professor Stephen Neidle of the London School of Pharmacy, Professor John Mann, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at Queen's and McClay Chair of Biological Chemistry at the University, made an important breakthrough in understanding how cancer cells, which defy the normal cell-aging process, can be forced to 'fold-up' and eventually die.
Using synthesized compounds based on a plant historically used in African folk medicine, Professor Mann and his team have developed new molecules which can modify the shape of particular structures within cells. These structures, known as telomeres, are made of long repeated DNA structures and protect the ends of chromosomes.
The finding offers a clue to how the cell structure works within the human body, as Professor Mann explains: "With cells in the human body dividing about 20 times before they enter a process of ageing and eventually death, every time a cell divides a few of its telomere DNA repeats are lost. When too many are lost and the chromosome ends are in danger, a cell will start a process of 'cell suicide'.
"However, within the body, there are those cells which are supposed to divide a lot, such as stem cells. These possess a telomerase enzyme, which can repair the telomere, keeping it in its original format and size."
Recent research revealed that approximately 90% of cancer cells also possess the enzyme.
Professor Mann said the team were in the "early stages" of designing drugs that will alter the structure of the telomere, blocking the telomerase enzyme.
It is hoped that this breakthrough could be used to help hit the 'Achilles' heel' of fast dividing cancer cells.
Professor Mann's work is part of the larger effort taking place in the new £20 million Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen's which is due to open in May 2007.
(SP/KMcA)
In conjunction with Professor Stephen Neidle of the London School of Pharmacy, Professor John Mann, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at Queen's and McClay Chair of Biological Chemistry at the University, made an important breakthrough in understanding how cancer cells, which defy the normal cell-aging process, can be forced to 'fold-up' and eventually die.
Using synthesized compounds based on a plant historically used in African folk medicine, Professor Mann and his team have developed new molecules which can modify the shape of particular structures within cells. These structures, known as telomeres, are made of long repeated DNA structures and protect the ends of chromosomes.
The finding offers a clue to how the cell structure works within the human body, as Professor Mann explains: "With cells in the human body dividing about 20 times before they enter a process of ageing and eventually death, every time a cell divides a few of its telomere DNA repeats are lost. When too many are lost and the chromosome ends are in danger, a cell will start a process of 'cell suicide'.
"However, within the body, there are those cells which are supposed to divide a lot, such as stem cells. These possess a telomerase enzyme, which can repair the telomere, keeping it in its original format and size."
Recent research revealed that approximately 90% of cancer cells also possess the enzyme.
Professor Mann said the team were in the "early stages" of designing drugs that will alter the structure of the telomere, blocking the telomerase enzyme.
It is hoped that this breakthrough could be used to help hit the 'Achilles' heel' of fast dividing cancer cells.
Professor Mann's work is part of the larger effort taking place in the new £20 million Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen's which is due to open in May 2007.
(SP/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 August 2012
QUB Scientists Claim Rb Protein Victory Against Cancer
Scientists at Queen's University in Belfast have claimed a major breakthrough in the fight against throat and cervical cancer. They said their discovery could lead to the development of new therapies, which would limit the spread of cancerous tumours. The treatments might also be applicable to other kinds of cancer.
QUB Scientists Claim Rb Protein Victory Against Cancer
Scientists at Queen's University in Belfast have claimed a major breakthrough in the fight against throat and cervical cancer. They said their discovery could lead to the development of new therapies, which would limit the spread of cancerous tumours. The treatments might also be applicable to other kinds of cancer.
18 July 2014
QUB Bowel Cancer 'Breakthrough'
Researchers at Queen’s University say they have made "a significant breakthrough" that could benefit patients with bowel cancer. Study author Dr Sandra van Schaeybroeck and her team have discovered how genes cause bowel cancer cells to become resistant to treatment.
QUB Bowel Cancer 'Breakthrough'
Researchers at Queen’s University say they have made "a significant breakthrough" that could benefit patients with bowel cancer. Study author Dr Sandra van Schaeybroeck and her team have discovered how genes cause bowel cancer cells to become resistant to treatment.
22 May 2019
NI Cancer Patients May Rise By 60%
The number of new cancer patients in Northern Ireland could rocket by over 60% before 2035 if rigorous action is not taken now, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has warned.
NI Cancer Patients May Rise By 60%
The number of new cancer patients in Northern Ireland could rocket by over 60% before 2035 if rigorous action is not taken now, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has warned.
09 September 2011
Yellowhammer Portraits Are Framing Success
Two local cancer charities, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) and Friends of the Cancer Centre, have announced a unique fundraising initiative - the opportunity to buy a highly collectable piece of art by acclaimed Irish artist, Nicola Russell, while making a significant contribution to the work of both charities.
Yellowhammer Portraits Are Framing Success
Two local cancer charities, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) and Friends of the Cancer Centre, have announced a unique fundraising initiative - the opportunity to buy a highly collectable piece of art by acclaimed Irish artist, Nicola Russell, while making a significant contribution to the work of both charities.
07 November 2008
UCF Targets Cancer Awareness
The signs and symptoms of Northern Ireland's biggest cancer killer are being highlighted by a local charity this week with the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) using national 'Lung Cancer Awareness Month' as a springboard to target local people.
UCF Targets Cancer Awareness
The signs and symptoms of Northern Ireland's biggest cancer killer are being highlighted by a local charity this week with the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) using national 'Lung Cancer Awareness Month' as a springboard to target local people.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
