Israeli scientists use "cheating" as a weapon to fight cancer

Israeli scientists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered an ingenious method using deception to stem the spread of cancer caused by ribonucleic acid (RNA) binding proteins.

RNA proteins – which are active in all cells, but especially in cancer cells – play an important role in cancer growth by binding to RNA molecules, accelerate the dispersion of the infected cells.

Until now, no treatment has focused on these proteins. But a new technology developed by Professor Rotem Karni and his team at the University of Jerusalem inhibits the RNA binding proteins that accelerate the growth of brain and bad cancer.

To "trick" the proteins, the researchers designed lure molecules so that the RNA binding proteins bind to them instead of the natural RNA molecules. "Our technology is a new approach to cancer control By understanding the biological function of RNA binding proteins, we are successfully designing lure molecules that inhibit these proteins." This brings us closer and closer to creating an anti-cancer drug. Karni said.

The lure molecules, called oligonucleotides, effectively sterilize harmful proteins by preventing their reproduction. Although this time the decoy molecules have been applied to brain cancer, Karni explained that his technology could be applied to other types of cancer. "We still need to look at the toxicity of lure molecules and test their effectiveness in animals before they can move on to humans," Karni warned.

"However, I am optimistic, since we have already managed to create lure oligonucleotides that inhibit RNA binding proteins in other types of cancer," he added.