Research breakthrough: Discovered the new goal for effective cancer therapies!

Research breakthrough: Discovered the new goal for effective cancer therapies!

Saarbrücken, Deutschland - A research team of the University of the Saarland and the Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) has made groundbreaking progress in the fight against aggressive tumors. The focus of her work is the protein Polo-Like Kinase 1 (PLK1), which plays a central role in cell division and promotes growth and mutation of tumor cells.

The researchers' goal is to find new approaches to cancer therapy. Previous methods for direct inhibition of PLK1 have only shown limited clinical advantages. Therefore, they turned to the identification of IGF2BP2 as an alternative goal to influence PLK1 more effectively in tumors. The close interaction between IGF2BP2 and PLK1 means that the inhibition of IGF2BP2 significantly slows down tumor growth and reduces the mutations in the cancer cells.

meaning of PLK1 in cancer research

PLK1 is a Serin/Threonin protein kinase that is preserved from yeast mushroom to humans to evolution. This kinase is not only crucial for the mitosis, but also plays an important role in monitoring the cell cycle. Deregulation of PLK1 can lead to mitals, chromosomal instability and finally to tumor formation. Studies show that the overexpression of PLK1 is connected to different types of cancer and is often correlated with a poor forecast.

The treatment options include a variety of approaches such as AntiSense-oligonucleotides, Sirna and small molecules that target PLK1. These inhibitors are always developed to increase their selectivity and minimize side effects. PLK1 inhibitors are often in clinical trials, but show challenges regarding selectivity and toxicity.

combination therapies and future approaches

PLK1 inhibitors are not only promising therapeutic target structures, but are also researched in combination therapies. Clinical studies have shown that the combination of PLK1 inhibitors with chemotherapy and other targeted therapies in different types of cancer can increase apoptosis. These approaches offer new hope, especially in cases where other therapies have failed.

For example, the INHIBITTER BI2536 was successfully used with Eribulin in the treatment of rhubdomyosarcomas. In combination with cisplatin, Bi6727 shows promising results in the treatment of cervical carcinomas. It shows that PLK1 active ingredients in combination therapies not only increase effectiveness, but also improve the survival of the patients.

The findings from the current research and the pursuit of innovative therapy concepts represent significant progress in cancer research. The scientists of the University of Saarland are constantly working on creating new scientific foundations for combating aggressive tumor diseases, whereby the interaction between PLK1 and IGF2BP2 offers promising approaches for future therapeutic strategies.