Stanford researchers develop molecule that forces cancer cells to kill themselves

Stanford creates a molecule to make cancer cells self-destruct.

: Stanford scientists have developed a bioengineered molecule that reactivates apoptosis in cancer cells by binding BCL6 and CDK9 proteins. This innovation targets B-cell lymphomas and effectively kills cancerous cells in lab tests without harming normal ones. Further mouse trials are underway to verify its efficacy in a living organism.

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a molecule designed to force cancer cells to self-destruct by reactivating apoptosis. This is achieved by bonding two proteins, BCL6 and CDK9, in cancerous cells, turning the oncogene against the cell's survival mechanisms.

The study focused on diffuse large cell B-cell lymphoma, with the molecule successfully eliminating cancer cells in lab environments. Tests on healthy mice showed no toxic effects on normal cells, but did indicate a preference for targeting B cells with non-mutated BCL6.

Current efforts are on testing the molecule's effectiveness in living mice with B-cell lymphomas. Researchers believe the treatment may only be applicable for such lymphomas due to the specific proteins involved and their natural presence in the cells.

CancerBioengineeringApoptosis