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Iron Sulfur Clusters

All articles tagged with #iron sulfur clusters

Mirror-image cysteine blocks growth of certain cancers by targeting cancer cell mitochondria
science18 days ago

Mirror-image cysteine blocks growth of certain cancers by targeting cancer cell mitochondria

Researchers have identified D-cysteine, the mirror form of the amino acid cysteine, which is taken up by certain cancer cells and inhibits the mitochondrial enzyme NFS1, disrupting iron-sulfur cluster production and essential cellular processes. In mouse models of aggressive breast cancer, this approach slowed tumor growth with minimal effects on healthy cells, suggesting a highly targeted therapy—though human dosing and safety remain to be determined.

The Dangers of Excess Oxygen on Human Health.
health2 years ago

The Dangers of Excess Oxygen on Human Health.

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have discovered how excessive oxygen levels alter certain iron and sulfur-containing proteins within our cells, triggering a chain reaction that causes damage to cells and tissues. The research, which has been published in the journal Molecular Cell, shed light on the implications for conditions like heart attacks and sleep apnea. The team used CRISPR to test the roles of a variety of genes in hyperoxia and found that four molecular pathways stood out in the screen as being involved in the effects of hyperoxia. They related to diverse cellular functions including the repair of damaged DNA, the production of new DNA building blocks, and the generation of cellular energy.