Researchers at UCSC have invented peptides that prevent the inactivation of the Rb protein with molecules. These molecules are intended to inhibit E2F release even when Rb is phosphorylated by kinases.
Some of the peptides include D-amino acids rather than more typical L-amino acids.
Abstract
The Retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (Rb) negatively regulates cell proliferation and the cell cycle through inhibition of E2F transcription factors. E2F transcription factors are a group of genes that are involved in cell cycle regulation and synthesis.
Cancer cells almost invariably have genetic alterations of Rb pathway components that alter normal cell cycle function.
In the past, many of the efforts in controlling the effects of Rb mutations has focused on the design of therapeutic Cdk inhibitors. Several small-molecule ATP-competitive inhibitors have been designed that efficiently inhibit Cdk activity, but new therapeutics are always necessary.
Contact Information
Name: Jeff Jackson
Email: jjackso6@ucsc.edu
Phone: (831) 459-3976