Biochemist discovers a promising enzyme to fight cancer cells
Polyamines (PA)—spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm)—play an important role in the body’s protective reactions. Polyamines are regulators of growth, differentiation and the process of cell death. The dynamics of the metabolism of polyamines is used in the diagnosis of pathologies of systems and organs. Disorders in the metabolism of polyamines lead to an increase in their concentration in the body. This is accompanied by accelerated tissue proliferation due to cell division. This mechanism is typical of various forms of cancer. On the other hand, some decay products by oxidation of polyamines show antitumor and antimicrobial activity and slow the growth of certain types of cancer cells, bacteria and viruses. A RUDN University biochemist proposed to use these properties for the treatment of cancer.
Professor of the Department of Biochemistry of RUDN University Sergey Syatkin designed the structure of the molecule (ligand) with predetermined properties. To do this, he used bioinformatics and computer modeling technologies, primarily molecular docking. This method allowed him to predict how the drug molecules will behave in relation to the target protein. Based on molecular docking data, biochemists synthesized 36 nitrogen-containing substances with different chemical structures. They made a classification of the stimulating effects of these substances on the cells of the body. It turned out that the effects of a potential drug depended on the way in which the special molecules—ligands—included in their composition, accelerated the decay of polyamines by their oxidation.
Using computer simulations, biochemists visually detected how the molecules of inorganic substances that make up the potential drug will dock with one of the mouse proteins. Their classification made it possible to correctly predict the nature of the effects that the substance of the drug will have on the body of an experimental animal. After that, a series of experiments on rats was carried out.
Experiments have shown that substances that can enhance the oxidation of PA can become potential anti-cancer agents. This opens up the prospect of developing antitumor drugs based on the use of substances that activate the rate of decay of PA by enzymatic oxidation.
The RUDN University Science and Innovation Prize winners were honoured at the extended meeting of the Academic Council. In 2024 the terms of the traditional RUDN University Prize were changed: for the first time the competition was announced in two categories: leading scientists and young scientists.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electricity consumption in Africa has increased by more than 100% over the past two years (2020-2022). However, 74.9% of this energy is still produced by burning organic fuels 鈥� natural gas, coal and oil. At the same time, the level of electrification on the continent remains extremely low 鈥� only 24%, while in other developing countries it reaches 40%. Even in grid-connected areas, electricity supply is often unreliable: industrial enterprises lose energy on an average of 56 days a year.
Today, diagnosis and treatment planning with orthodontists takes several days. Also, complications can arise during treatment that slow down the patient's recovery process. For example, improper orthodontic treatment planning can lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
The RUDN University Science and Innovation Prize winners were honoured at the extended meeting of the Academic Council. In 2024 the terms of the traditional RUDN University Prize were changed: for the first time the competition was announced in two categories: leading scientists and young scientists.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electricity consumption in Africa has increased by more than 100% over the past two years (2020-2022). However, 74.9% of this energy is still produced by burning organic fuels 鈥� natural gas, coal and oil. At the same time, the level of electrification on the continent remains extremely low 鈥� only 24%, while in other developing countries it reaches 40%. Even in grid-connected areas, electricity supply is often unreliable: industrial enterprises lose energy on an average of 56 days a year.
Today, diagnosis and treatment planning with orthodontists takes several days. Also, complications can arise during treatment that slow down the patient's recovery process. For example, improper orthodontic treatment planning can lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction.