Scientists have unveiled the structure of uMtCK, a key enzyme cancer cells use for energy, offering new insights for targeted therapies to slow tumor growth.
Cancer cells are notorious for their insatiable hunger for energy, rapidly multiplying and hijacking normal cellular functions to meet their fuel demands. One of the critical processes they exploit involves a group of enzymes called creatine kinases (CK), which are responsible for shuttling energy within cells. A specific type of CK, known as ubiquitous mitochondrial creatine kinase (uMtCK), plays a crucial role in helping cancer cells tap into and distribute energy, making it an essential target for potential cancer therapies.
In a breakthrough study, scientists from Sanford Burnham Prebys and Mayo Clinic revealed the detailed structure of human uMtCK, uncovering how its shape changes when bound to energy molecules like creatine or adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Using cutting-edge cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), the team created 3D images of the protein and its interactions, offering insights that could pave the way for developing drugs to block this crucial energy transport mechanism in cancer cells.
Their research, published in Structure on February 3, 2025, also tested an existing CK inhibitor called CKi on breast cancer cells. The results showed that CKi was effective in slowing down breast cancer cell growth, confirming the potential of targeting this pathway in cancer treatment. However, the inhibitor isn’t selective for uMtCK alone, and could disrupt other vital processes, leading to high toxicity.
Building on these findings, the researchers are now working to design more targeted inhibitors that specifically block uMtCK without affecting other cellular functions, offering the promise of more effective and less toxic cancer therapies in the future.
President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un supervised a missile test on Thursday, emphasizing the nation's nuclear combat readiness, according to state media KCNA.
President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Italians gather to honour all who resisted fascism — including the forgotten Azerbaijani soldiers of Monte di Nese, each year. Their names may be lost, but their struggle for freedom is etched into the memory of this land.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
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Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
Researchers at United Arab Emirates University have developed an innovative non-surgical blood flow monitoring technology using piezoelectric pressure sensors, offering a more cost-effective and accurate approach for detecting vital health conditions.
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The World Health Organization is set to recommend weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound for treating obesity in adults, marking its first official backing of such medications and signaling a major shift in global health policy.
China released a white paper on COVID-19 prevention, control and origins tracing on Wednesday, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported, lauding its own contributions while casting doubts on the United States.
Australia’s Labor party has promised a free medical advice line and expanded Medicare funding as cost-of-living pressures dominate the election campaign.
President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Italians gather to honour all who resisted fascism — including the forgotten Azerbaijani soldiers of Monte di Nese, each year. Their names may be lost, but their struggle for freedom is etched into the memory of this land.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
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