Protein database could provide novel cancer drugs

Novel drugs to prevent cancer and neurodegenerative diseases could be created after research by scientists at the University of Warwick.

A research team has created a database of proteins needed for autophagy, an essential cellular process. This is the controlled degradation and recycling of cellular components, but as we age this process occurs less frequently.  The database could help drug developers create drugs which could stop this decline, keeping cells healthier for longer.

Dr Ioannis Nezis, who led the research at Warwick University, said: “Our novel database resource will open a lot of new avenues in basic and translational science. Identifying novel selective autophagy-related proteins will help for the development of novel pharmaceutical drug targets for a large variety of diseases like cancer, neurodegeneration and other ageing-related diseases, infections, diabetes, obesity and Crohn's disease.”

The scientists have identified and catalogued more than 700 previously undiscovered proteins that are linked to autophagy. Past research shows both under and over-regulation of autophagy can cause neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr Nezis said: "Importantly, understanding the molecular mechanisms of selective autophagy will help researchers to find interventions to activate the autophagic pathway to prevent ageing and promote healthy well-being during the life course.”

The research was published in Autophagy.