A bioactive compound obtained from turmeric rhizomes (turmeric) may counteract metastasis of colon cancer by blocking cortactin, a protein that plays a role in cell migration, PLOS One reports.
In colorectal cancer patients, cortactin is often overexpressed, which promotes metastasis. Researchers from the University of Arizona have shown that in malignant tumors, a phosphorylated form of cortactin (pTyr421) is hyperactivated.
Phosphorylation is the attachment of a phosphate residue to a nucleophilic atom of any chemical compound, which affects the function and activity of the protein. Too high levels of cortactin and its activation through phosphorylation are related to the aggressiveness of cancer.
During the research, scientists tested the effects of curcumin on human cancer cells. It turned out then that this compound turned off the active form of cortactin, thanks to which cancer cells lost the ability to move and metastasize.
The researchers explain that curcumin interacts and activates the PTPN1 enzyme, which in turn acts as a phosphatase and cleaves phosphate residues from protein molecules. This process is called dephosphorylation.
Scientists hope this discovery will lead to the development of drugs that will prevent metastasis by acting directly on cortactin. (PAP)