This is just the beginning, but our first results are conclusive,
explains Christelle Benaud, researcher at the Rennes Institute of Genetics and Development. We have successfully developed a molecule capable of slowing cell division.
A major advance which was the subject of a publication on April 6 in the international reference journal Journal of Cell Science .
To divide, a cell must reorganize its cytoskeleton, made up of microtubules
, specifies the researcher. It allows him to duplicate his genetic material identically.
A phenomenon which is well known today and which is the basis of life. However, in collaboration with Italian researchers, we have identified a molecule derived from benzodiazepines, capable of acting on a regulator of microtubules and of slowing down this duplication.
Target cancer cells
A discovery that interests cancer research, which funded part of the work. Today, the principle of chemotherapy is to inject drugs that will prevent the division of cancer cells, but also of all other cells in the body. Which in particular leads to side effects
, continues Christelle Benaud. Our discovery could allow targeting only cancer cells.
Christelle Benaud has carried out conclusive experiments on fruit flies. “We have been able to see, thanks to an imaging system, a very strong slowdown in cell division.
A potential new therapeutic approach, which could offer new solutions for very difficult cancers like glioblastoma of the brain.
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