Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Yeast and pineapple join the fight against cancer
Scientists funded by the Association for International Cancer Research (AICR) and Cancer Research UK are experimenting on yeast to see how cells change to survive chemotherapy.Dr Verreault said that the team discovered that cells repaired damage to their DNA by modifying proteins that package the DNA.
He explained: "We showed that blocking this modification in baker's yeast cells made them extremely sensitive to agents used in the treatment of cancer."
Dr Mark Matfield, AICR's scientific consultant, said: "Strategies to disable mechanisms represent novel avenues for cancer therapy and may also improve existing chemotherapy treatments.
Meanwhile another team has found molecules present in the pulp of crushed pineapple stems that can help fight cancer.
One molecule called CCS blocks a protein called Ras, which is defective in approximately 30% of all cancers.
The other, called CCZ, stimulates the body's own immune system to target and kill cancer cells.
It is hoped the research, carried out by Queensland Institute of Medical Research, could lead to new anti-cancer drugs.
The extract studied by the scientists, bromelain, is a rich source of enzymes and is widely used as a meat tenderiser, to clarify beer and tan leather hides.
Technorati tag: Cancer, Yeast, Pineapple
Labels: Cancer
posted by I at 9:47 am
