St Andrews: Molecules that protect anti-tumour gene p53

Research lead

Scientists funded by the charity Cancer Research UK have discovered a potent group of chemicals that protect the anti-tumour gene p53 from destruction.

p53 is damaged or switched off in most tumours and drugs that shield it from damage could reduce tumour growth.

The researchers, who were jointly funded by Tenovus Scotland, have discovered a family of chemicals, called tenovins, that inhibit the action of the sirtuin enzymes that are responsible for flagging up p53.

The team, made up of scientists from the University of Dundee and St Andrews University in Scotland and the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Singapore, used an innovative method to uncover tenovins. Nick Westwood from the School of Chemistry at St Andrews University, said, “This exciting project is a great example of what can be done by researchers from different disciplines collaborating. This programme has successfully combined skills in cell and cancer biology, biochemistry, genetics and chemistry to deliver compounds of genuine therapeutic interest.”

p53 was discovered by Cancer Research UK’s chief scientist David Lane, in 1979. Since then, the p53 protein and corresponding gene has been the focus of much research. It halts the growth of damaged cells, activating DNA repair or triggering cell death.

DNA damage activates p53. Some existing cancer drugs trigger p53’s anti-cancer activity by damaging DNA and activating this response. Tenovins enhance p53’s activity without causing DNA damage, making them safer and potentially more effective drugs.