Mechanically strong protein may be anticancer agent

Feb. 19, 2004
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, together with three other institutions, have found a natural agent that is showing promise blocking metastasis of cancer cells and enhancing wound healing.

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, together with three other institutions, have found a natural agent that is showing promise blocking metastasis of cancer cells and enhancing wound healing.

The agent, called anastellin, comes from an adhesion protein called fibronectin found in the extracellular matrix surrounding cells. Crystallography, atomic-force microscopy, and advanced computer modeling let researchers sort the chemical structure and mechanical strength of fibronectin proteins that glue together cells in mammalian body tissues.

The fibronectin has special mechanical properties. "For example, when stretched mechanically, it extends in two stages, first to about one-third of its total length, then to full length, or about 10 times its initial size," says Klaus Schulten, director of theoretical and computational biophysics group at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology.

Fibronectin modules have a two-sheet sandwich structure. But one of the sheets in a type of fibronectin called 3-1 is much stronger. "It is mainly this strong sheet that is anestellin, and it stabilizes the stretching intermediate by refusing to unravel," says Viola Vogel, professor of bioengineering and director of nanotechnology at the University of Washington, Seattle. "Cells can apply enough mechanical force to the surrounding extracellular matrix to unravel fibronectin type-three modules," she adds. "The stretching of 3-1 unmasks the buried anestellin and it appears to restrict the motion of cancer cells, in effect creating strong jail bars that hold the cancerous inmates from moving freely."

Sponsored Recommendations

June 27, 2025
Ensure workplace safety and compliance with our comprehensive Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Safety Training course. Learn critical procedures to prevent serious injuries.
June 27, 2025
Join our expert webinar to discover essential safety control measures and best practices for engineering a truly safe and compliant industrial environment.
June 25, 2025
An innovative aircraft with electric drives combines the best of both worlds. The cross between drone and helicopter could mean significantly faster and more efficient air emergency...
June 25, 2025
Effective when other materials fail, ceramics are particularly suitable for applications requiring wear and chemical resistance, sliding characteristics or biocompatibility. Discover...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!