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Cancer Therapeutics
Overview
The foundation of Egenix’ cancer therapeutics program is based on the development of small molecule drugs that block mRNA translation, thus blocking the production of specific proteins that are critical for cancer growth and survival These small molecule drugs mediate this activity through inhibition of “translation initiation factors” (eIFs). Translation initiation factors are essential elements for synthesis of multiple cancer promoting proteins, including those that stimulate cancer growth, metastasis, angiogenesis (tumor blood vessel growth), and suppression of apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Translation Initiation Factors in Cancer
Cancer growth and metastasis requires an interplay of numerous and diverse gene products (proteins) including oncoproteins (c-myc, cyclin D1), angiogenesis factors (VEGF), and apoptosis suppressors. The translation initiation factors eIF4E and eIF2α selectively promote the synthesis of these proteins and drive malignant growth and metastatic progression. Overexpression of translation initiation factors eIF4E and eIF2α occur frequently in multiple human cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma, and cancers of the colon, lung and breast.
eIF4E and eIF2α represent critical convergence points for regulation of key growth and metastasis genes. Blocking the activity of eIF4E and/or eIF2α dramatically suppresses malignant transformation, tumor growth, and metastasis. eIF4E and eIF2α are compelling cancer therapeutic targets because multiple processes required for cancer growth and metastasis are mediated by proteins that are regulated by these translation initiation factors.
Egenix’ program to discover and develop inhibitors for cancer therapeutics represents an innovative approach for treating a broad spectrum of cancers.