Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have pioneered a breakthrough in cancer treatment by targeting the LSD1 protein for degradation. This innovative approach diverges from traditional methods and holds promise for more effective cancer therapies.
The biochemistry team at Case Western Reserve is focusing on dismantling a critical protein responsible for cancer progression, marking a significant shift in research direction.
The team at Case Western Reserve University has identified a new role of a crucial protein in cancer development, a discovery that could lead to enhanced treatments for various cancers and other diseases.
The protein in question is LSD1 (lysine-specific histone demethylase 1A), which acts as a regulatory agent within human cells. It oversees gene activity during embryonic development and continues to regulate gene expression throughout life.
In recent years, scientists have found that excessive production of LSD1 can contribute to the development of cancer and heart disease.
Cheng Zeng. Credit: CWRU
Redefining Cancer Treatment Strategies
Some researchers have attempted to curb cancer growth by inhibiting the catalytic activity of LSD1, which not only stimulates cell growth but also contributes to its overproduction.
However, Kaixiang Cao, an assistant professor of biochemistry, is spearheading a team that is challenging this approach. The medical school researchers propose that they can more effectively slow or halt cancer growth in stem cells by completely degrading the LSD1 protein, rather than just interrupting the chemical process that causes its overproduction.
Questioning Established Beliefs
“Our research confronts the prevailing beliefs,” stated Cao.
This study has been recently featured in Nature Communications.
Emmalee Cooke. Credit: CWRU
Cao explained, “We require an accurate and potent method to target these proteins. Our research indicates that stopping the catalytic process might work about 15% of the time, whereas our method has about an 80% effectiveness rate. If we can develop an LSD1 degrader, it could reduce the amount of therapy required for patients, even if it doesn’t completely eradicate cancer.”
Cao and his team were initially surprised to learn that LSD1 mainly functions in a non-catalytic manner. Having provided the research community with a theoretical basis for this more effective treatment approach, they are now preparing to test it further, starting with cancerous tissues, then moving to animal models, and eventually human trials.
“The future is here – introducing the degrader will completely eliminate the protein,” Cao remarked. “This technique has been applied to other proteins by different researchers, but not yet to LSD1.”
Reference: “Demethylase-independent roles of LSD1 in regulating enhancers and cell fate transition” by Cheng Zeng, Jiwei Chen, Emmalee W. Cooke, Arijita Subuddhi, Eliana T. Roodman, Fei Xavier Chen, and Kaixiang Cao, 22 August 2023, Nature Communications.
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40606-1
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cancer Treatment Innovation
What is the significance of the research conducted at Case Western Reserve University?
The research at Case Western Reserve University is significant because it introduces a novel approach to cancer treatment by targeting the LSD1 protein for degradation. This represents a departure from traditional methods and holds the potential for more effective therapies.
What is the role of the LSD1 protein in cancer development?
The LSD1 protein, also known as lysine-specific histone demethylase 1A, plays a crucial role in cancer development. When overexpressed, it can drive the progression of cancer and other diseases.
How does the new approach differ from previous methods of slowing cancer growth?
Unlike previous methods that focused on inhibiting the catalytic activity of LSD1, the new approach aims to completely degrade the LSD1 protein. This offers a higher effectiveness rate, potentially slowing or halting cancer growth more efficiently.
What are the implications of this research for cancer patients?
The research suggests that if a degrader of LSD1 can be developed, it may reduce the need for extensive therapy in cancer patients, even if it doesn’t provide a complete cure. This could lead to more manageable and less invasive cancer treatments.
What are the next steps in this research?
The next steps involve further testing of the proposed method. Researchers plan to start with experiments on cancerous tissues, followed by animal models, and eventually human trials to validate the effectiveness of degrading LSD1 as a cancer treatment strategy.
More about Cancer Treatment Innovation
- Case Western Reserve University Research Article
- Nature Communications Journal
- Case Western Reserve University
