Researchers at UCLouvain and the University of Lille in France have developed a groundbreaking inhibitor that targets an enzyme involved in the progression of certain cancers, the Belgian university reported on Thursday.
This discovery paves the way for new, more precise, and better-tolerated anti-cancer treatments.
Cells require lipids to function correctly, but a disruption in this process can promote the development of some forms of cancer. The enzyme ACSL4 plays a crucial role in this mechanism and represents a promising therapeutic target. Previously, the only known effective inhibitor was rosiglitazone, an anti-diabetic drug, but its side effects limited its use in oncology.
In collaboration with the University of Lille, UCLouvain scientists have developed an innovative inhibitor, LIBX-A401, derived from rosiglitazone. This new compound blocks the enzyme ACSL4 while eliminating the initial molecule's undesirable effects. The discovery is described as a significant milestone in cancer research with the development of this "revolutionary" compound.
Laboratory tests indicate that LIBX-A401 effectively protects cells against a specific type of cell death involved in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. This major advancement could transform current therapeutic approaches.
