ICR Scientists Reveal Structure of HSP90
19th April 2006 - Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research today reveal the molecular structure of HSP90, one of the most exciting new anti-cancer drug targets, which may greatly help in developing targeted treatments for a range of cancers including: prostate, breast, bowel, ovarian and kidney.
This is the first time the complete structure of HSP90 has been revealed. The breakthrough shows exactly how this protein works in cells and, more importantly, how it can be stopped by anti-cancer drugs. HSP90 is a protein found in all cells and is vital for helping other proteins fold into their correct shape. However, cancer cells are especially dependent on HSP90, therefore molecules which block this protein kill cancer cells but have little effect on normal cells.
A number of drugs which specifically target the HSP90 protein in cells – known as HSP90 inhibitors – are currently in development. One of the drugs, known as 17AAG, is currently in a phase II clinical trial for patients with malignant melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer. A number of others are currently in development in the laboratory and are likely to benefit from this discovery.
Find out more about the scientists working on this project:
- Professor Laurence Pearl
- Pearl Group (Section of Structural Biology)
