Cells communicate with protein networks called signaling pathways. One common pathway in cancer includes a protein called mTOR. mTOR acts in two complexes, named mTORC1 and mTORC2. Each complex controls different cell functions.
Most current drugs affect both mTORC1 and mTORC2. The researchers say blocking mTORC1 can make cancer cells more resistant to chemotherapy, so that can limit drug benefit.
The new study reports that it may be possible to block only mTORC2. That selective approach could stop cancer growth signals without turning on survival pathways. Scientists are now working on drug designs based on this idea.
Difficult words
- pathway — series of actions that send a signalsignaling pathways
- complex — group of proteins that work togethercomplexes
- block — stop something from happening or movingblocking
- resistant — able to survive or not be harmed
- chemotherapy — treatment using drugs to kill cancer
- selective — affecting only one specific part or target
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Discussion questions
- Why might scientists want drugs that are selective for one complex?
- How could stopping growth signals help cancer treatment?
- Have you heard of chemotherapy before? What do you know about it?
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