Scientists found a way to "turn off" prostate cancer genes

Researchers from the University of Michigan have developed a drug that can stop prostate cancer growth by blocking its genetic mechanisms. The results of the work are published in the journal Nature Genetics.

The study showed that malignant prostate cells depend on special DNA regions - enhancers, which act as "switches" for tumor growth. Scientists discovered a key chemical mark of these enhancers - H2BNTac acetylation, as well as the enzymes p300 and CBP responsible for its activation.

Based on this discovery, the team created the drug CBPD-409, which selectively destroys the p300 and CBP enzymes. By destroying them, the agent eliminates the H2BNTac mark and thereby suppresses the activity of androgen receptors - the main "drivers" of tumor growth.

In experiments on cell cultures and animal models, the drug stopped the development of therapy-resistant forms of prostate cancer and caused tumor regression without noticeable side effects.

According to the authors, this approach opens the way to a new type of therapy - targeted degradation of proteins that control malignant processes. Researchers believe that this method can form the basis for treating the most aggressive and drug-resistant forms of the disease.