Durotaxis: A new therapeutic target against metastatic cancer is discovered
9 hours ago
- #metastasis
- #cancer research
- #biomechanics
- Scientists discovered that hardened tissue around tumors acts as 'highways' for cancer cells to spread, a process called durotaxis.
- Two proteins, FAK and paxillin, mediate durotaxis by sensing tissue stiffness. Blocking their interaction stops cancer cells from spreading.
- An experimental drug, JP-153, blocks FAK and paxillin interaction, halting metastasis in preclinical models.
- Durotaxis is also implicated in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, where hardened tissue leads to disease progression.
- The findings open new therapeutic avenues for treating metastatic cancer and fibrosis by targeting biomechanical processes.
- Clinical trials for the experimental drug in pancreatic cancer patients are anticipated within three years.