Nel numero di settembre 2007

A study conducted by a research group at the (Department of Molecular Biology of the University of Siena), under the supervision of professor Luisa Bracci, has identified a molecule capable of specifically targeting colon cancer cells. This study was based on the concept that the cells of some tumours, such as those of the colon and pancreas, overexpress receptors that are bound by molecules of various types, known as ligands. The idea is to use these ligands or their peptide analogues to target tumour cells by attaching toxic agents to them that are capable of killing the tumour cells without damaging normal cells.

The molecule used by the researchers of the University of Siena is called neurotensin, an endogenous peptide that normally carries out hormone-releasing activities and whose receptor is overexpressed in the cells of several tumours. The results of this study have been published in the September issue of Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, the journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, and are the subject of a patent application.

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