In a studyExternal link published in the medical journal Cell on Thursday, researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute in partnership with the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche were able to decipher the structure of the chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) – a special membrane protein that helps white blood cells travel through the body.
Receptors like CCR7 can interact with more than 40 signaling proteins called chemokines that cause cells to move. Cancer cells can use the receptor to guide them into the lymphatic system, spreading the cancer throughout the body. These secondary tumors called metastases are responsible for around 90% of deaths in cancer patients.
With this discoveryExternal link, researchers have established a key foundation for the development of a drug that could prevent metastasis in certain prevalent cancer types, such as colorectal cancer.
Scientific collaboration
To uncover the receptor’s structure, researchers used X-ray crystallography at the Swiss Light SourceExternal link, a particle accelerator set up in 2001 that provides photon beams of high brightness for research in materials science, biology and chemistry.
With information about the precise structure of the receptor, the researchers were able to identify a molecule that blocks the receptor and thus prevents a signal from being transmitted into the cell.
“Our experiments show that the artificial molecule, inside the cell, binds to the receptor. This keeps the chain reaction that leads to cell migration from getting started”, explained Steffen Brünle, a postdoctoral researcher at the institute who was part of the study team.
Using the structure of the receptor, Roche scientists searched for agents in its database of millions of molecules that could potentially block the signaling protein. This led to the identification of five possible compounds that could be used to develop cancer drugs.
The Paul Scherrer Institute is part of the network of federal technology institutes and is the largest research institute in the country, employing 2,100 people. The annual budget amounts to approximately CHF407 million.
More
More
“Rolls-Royce” of x-ray machines honoured
This content was published on
The Swiss Light Source (SLS) is the sparkling jewel in the crown of the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland’s largest research institution – although the path to its creation couldn’t have been bumpier. Since summer 2001, thousands of experiments have been carried out – by pharmaceutical researchers as well as academics – resulting in more…
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
The pharma holy grail: drugs for you, designed by you
This content was published on
In the age of sensors, wearables, and artificial intelligence (AI), almost everything can be customised for the individual.
Flipping the world: atomic compass points east-west
This content was published on
Swiss researchers have discovered a new magnetic phenomenon, observed on a micro-level, that could have implications for computer development.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.