- Scientists at a university now study how cells send signals.
- Cells use networks of proteins to sense their environment.
- One important protein called mTOR controls different cell tasks.
- mTOR works as two parts that do different jobs.
- Many drugs stop both parts of mTOR at the same time.
- Stopping one part can make cancer cells more resistant to treatment.
- The new study shows we could block only one part.
- This idea may help scientists design better cancer drugs in future.
Difficult words
- scientist — A person who studies and does research about natureScientists
- signal — A sign or message from one thing to anothersignals
- protein — A molecule in cells that does many jobsproteins
- resistant — Not easily affected by a drug or change
- treatment — Medical care to try to cure or help
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you like to learn about cells and proteins?
- Which would you prefer: a medicine that blocks one part or both parts?
- Have you learned about proteins at school?
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