New synthetic molecule kills cancer

JERUSALEM, June 10 (UPI) -- Israeli scientists say they have created a synthetic molecule that holds promise for a new family of anti-cancer drugs.

Professor Shimon Gatt and researcher Arie Dagan of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem designed the synthetic molecules that reduce and even eliminate the growth of human malignant tissues in mice.

The molecules developed by Dagan and Gatt impact the metabolism of various sphingolipids and consequently those of cancer cells. Sphingolipids are a family of complex lipid molecules that are involved in signaling pathways that mediate cell growth, differentiation and death.

The scientists say their synthetic compound reduced considerably the sizes of pancreatic, prostate and breast tumors with little or no effects on normal cells and tissues. The researchers see that as a precursor to the development of a new generation of anti-cancer drugs that induce, selectively, apoptosis only to tumor cells.

Such drugs are expected to be highly effective, while inducing fewer side effects than current anti-cancer drugs.

For their work, Dagan and Gatt were received the Kaye Award for Innovation last week during the 71st meeting of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's board of governors.