China identifies natural compound to block liver cancer growth which can enable safer, more efficient cancer treatments.
Chinese scientists have uncovered the transport mechanism of lactate, a vital metabolic fuel for cancer cells, and identified silybin, a natural compound, which disrupts this pathway and inhibits liver cancer growth.
Cancer cells can generate lactate under both low and normal oxygen conditions, which not only supports tumor growth but also weakens immune function by impairing immune cell activity.
Following lactate production, the monocarboxylate transporter (MCT1) is essential for transporting lactate. MCT1 moves lactate out of cancer cells to maintain intracellular pH balance and provides energy to surrounding tumor cells.
A research team led by Professor Ye Sheng from Tianjin University has decoded the MCT1 transport mechanism and demonstrated that disrupting lactate transport presents a promising approach for cancer treatment.
The study revealed that MCT1’s efficient lactate transport relies on precise amino acid interactions. Based on this insight, the researchers identified silybin, a natural compound from traditional Chinese medicine, as a potential blocker of MCT1. Silybin binds to the transporter’s substrate pocket, disrupting its function and causing toxic lactate buildup in cancer cells.
Laboratory trials confirmed that silybin inhibits tumor growth in both cell cultures and animal models, showing its potential as a promising anti-cancer treatment, according to Ye.
“This research not only expands our knowledge of cancer metabolism but also paves the way for developing next-generation cancer therapies. Our goal is to provide safer and more effective treatment options for cancer patients in the near future,” Ye concluded.
As China identifies natural compound to block liver cancer growth it will pave way for more effective cancer treatments.
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