Gene Blocking as a Way to Stop Cancer

British scientists from the University of East Anglia have made an important discovery in the field of oncology, identifying a gene that plays a key role in the spread of cancer cells. This gene, known as WWP2, is responsible for the process of metastasis and tumor growth, and its suppression could become a universal approach to treating malignancies.

The enzyme encoded by the WWP2 gene belongs to the E3 ubiquitin ligase family. It binds the ubiquitin peptide to target proteins, leading to either their degradation or a change in function depending on the number of attached molecules. This mechanism directly affects SMAD signaling proteins, which control the suppression of cancer cell growth and metastasis.

Studies have shown that WWP2 activity significantly increases during tumor development. When scientists blocked this gene in the laboratory, SMAD protein levels increased, halting the growth and spread of cancer cells. Experiments in cell models have confirmed the effectiveness of this approach.

Study leader Andrew Chantry notes that the development of drugs capable of blocking WWP2 is entirely feasible within the next ten years. The key challenge will be developing drugs that easily penetrate tumor cells and reliably bind to the gene. Chantry is confident that these challenges can be overcome, and new drugs will be able to suppress metastasis regardless of tumor type.

Previously, scientists also experimented with a different approach: forcing cancer cells to age and die. Blocking the Skp2 gene stops tumor cell division without affecting healthy tissue. This discovery demonstrates that targeting key genes can be a safe and effective way to fight cancer.

Thus, current research confirms that gene therapy and selective blocking of specific enzymes are emerging as promising approaches in oncology. These discoveries pave the way for the development of universal drugs capable of stopping the development of malignant tumors even in the late stages of the disease.