A team of Chinese scientists has unveiled a breakthrough by uncovering how the transport of lactate—a key fuel for cancer cells—can be disrupted to suppress liver cancer growth.
Led by Professor Ye Sheng at Tianjin University, the research focuses on the monocarboxylate transporter, MCT1, which exports lactate from cancer cells to maintain pH balance while fueling neighboring tumors. The study reveals that silybin, a natural compound derived from traditional Chinese medicine, binds precisely to MCT1’s substrate pocket and blocks its function.
This disruption causes a toxic buildup within cancer cells, significantly slowing tumor growth in both cell cultures and animal models. The findings not only deepen our understanding of cancer metabolism but also pave the way for developing safer, next-generation cancer therapies.
By targeting a critical metabolic pathway, this innovative research offers fresh insight into natural approaches for combating cancer, marking a promising step forward in the global fight against the disease.
Reference(s):
Chinese scientists discover natural blocker of cancer growth
cgtn.com
