Scientists focus on an emergency interface that is critical for cancer cell survival

Proteins control almost every vital process in our cells. If they are not working properly, if there are too many or too few of them, this can lead to the development of a number of diseases including cancer. The associated proteins are therefore also important targets for drug discovery in biochemical research.

However, there are a large number of proteins that do not offer suitable targets for normal active ingredient digestion. That’s why scientists at the UDE 1093 Collaborative Research Center are developing unusual small molecules called supramolecular ligands that can bind directly to their surface.

Molecules block the vital site of the protein

Recently, the team of scientists led by Professor Shirley Knauer, Professor Elsa-Sanchez-Garcia and Professor Thomas Schrader successfully focused on a critical interface which is important for the survival of cancer cells with such normal molecules.

The protein survivin is rarely found in healthy adult organisms. In cancer cells, however, its production ramps up. “

Shirley Knauer, Professor, University of Duisburg-Essen

Using a unique, artificial ligand, the scientists were able to pinpoint the exact site of the survivin, which is responsible for activating and transporting it out of the nucleus of cells.

Each protein has a unique three-dimensional structure with a broken surface that can form loops and backs. Sanchez-Garcia and her team performed computational analyzes of the protein surface and found that the interface is important on an ordered curve but somewhat dynamic. Using this information and following further structural studies, the Schrader-led chemists were able to design the ligand for this particularly difficult surface.