Scientists have created an anti-tumor drug that stimulates the influx of calcium, which destroys cancer cells (Shutterstock)
Researchers have developed an innovative method to combat malignant tumors and cancer cells by regulating the flow of calcium into the cell. Calcium ions play a critical role in cellular function, but can become harmful when exposed to high doses.
The researchers designed a compound that regulates the flow of calcium into cancer cells using calcium ions present in the tumor tissue, which eliminates the need for any external source of calcium.
Naturally, living cells need calcium ions, among several elements, to ensure the functioning of the mitochondria, which act as an energy generator in the cell. However, excess calcium can disrupt the functioning of mitochondria, leading to cell suffocation and death.
In cooperation between a research team from Ewha Women's University in Seoul, South Korea, and other Chinese teams, they were able to take advantage of this phenomenon to create an anti-tumor drug capable of activating calcium channels, leading to a deadly influx of calcium into cancer cells.
The researchers focused on two main channels: One is located in the outer membrane, and the other is in the endoplasmic reticulum, which is a cellular organelle that stores calcium ions. After successful experiments on cancer cells in a group of mice, the researchers concluded that exposure to near-infrared radiation stimulates the action of the drug, leading to the disappearance of the tumor.
Source: websites