Research just published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology by Dr Helen Walden of Cancer Research UK (and a member of our UK FA Research Network) describes how her team have unravelled the structure of the FancL protein.
Dr Walden says “We have taken the first full atomic snapshot of a protein in this cell repair pathway, right at the very heart of the route by which cancer cells defend themselves against treatments which are intended to destroy them. By blocking this repair ‘ignition switch’, it may be possible to boost traditional treatments. As such, it’s a drug target.”

This link between FA and potential mainstream cancer cures amply illustrates the importance of spending money on research into orphan diseases such as FA. This is clearly recognised by Cancer Research UK as they have over 7 people  in 2 separate research labs currently working on FA. 

More: http://news.scotsman.com/science/New-hope-as-cancers39-.6071258.jp

This entry was posted on Monday, February 15th, 2010 at 11:48 am