Researchers at the Yale University Cancer Center in the United States have discovered a molecular mechanism that prevents the development of a highly dangerous blood cancer that is resistant to treatment. The results of the work were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This is summarized in a press release on MedicalXpress.
Scientists have determined that malignant immune cells of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) have elevated levels of antioxidant lactonase PON2. It turned out that the molecule promotes energy production by promoting the growth of malignant cells through the absorption of glucose. This is due to the release of glucose transporter-1 from stomatin.
Thus, PON2 was critical for the absorption of glucose and energy production by cancer cells, and the loss of PON2 prevented the development of leukemia. At the same time, high levels of lactonase were the reason for a more aggressive course of the disease.
According to the researchers, the enzymatic activity of PON2 could be a target for drugs designed to selectively kill B-ALL cells.