HAMLET Molecule Suppressed Colon Cancer In Mice, Study

Researchers have engineered a novel chemotherapy for colon cancer based on a natural protein present in human breast milk.

AsianScientist (May 22, 2013) – Scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Lund University, Sweden have engineered a novel chemotherapy for colon cancer based on a natural protein present in human breast milk.

The protein-lipid molecule complex, known as HAMLET (Human Alpha-lactabumin Made Lethal to Tumor cells), was shown to target colon cancer in laboratory mice fed with HAMLET-laced water in a study published in Gut and PLoS ONE.

The research was led by Professor Catharina Svanborg and Dr. Manoj Puthia from Lund University, Sweden, and Professor Gerhard Grüber from NTU’s School of Biological Sciences. The HAMLET complex was first discovered by Professor Svanborg’s research group.

Prof. Grüber says that a more potent, synthetic version of the tumor-killing molecule is in the works.

“By studying the original protein, we have and will continue to identify key components to make a synthetic peptide, a short-chain amino acid, carrying the properties of HAMLET and yet more resilient than the original protein complex,” Grüber said.

The two lead scientists added that they are looking to trial HAMLET in Singapore and are in talks with local institutions and industry.

“We are now ready to test HAMLET as a therapeutic and preventive agent in colon cancer, especially in families with the genetic predisposition, where preventive options are limited,” Svanborg said. “After completing the various clinical trials, we hope to develop a commercially available product for doctors’ use for cancer treatment in the next five to ten years.”

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Source: NTU.
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