GNDU research to assist in cancer treatment

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 4

Findings of the research group on the role of water in the transfer of electrons during the working of enzymes in human body would help in the development of effective drugs for treatment of several diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease and neuro-degenerative diseases, said Prof Palwinder Singh of the chemistry department of Guru Nanak Dev University, who headed the group.

Explaining the significance of the research, Prof Palwinder said: “When designing new medicines against a particular disease, it is essential to look into features of proteins responsible for the origin and propagation of the disease. We have been engaged in the research for the past couple of years and have focused on the working of proteins, which cause inflammation as inflammation is the root cause of several other diseases, including pneumonitis, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and a number of neurodegenerative defects."

He said what earlier was supposed to be happening through the jumping of electrons from one part of the enzyme to the other has been established to be taking place through a well organised channel of water molecules. "It is the outcome of several experiments performed in collaboration with the team from the department of pharmaceutical sciences. The research will be helpful in the development of more effective medicines for the treatment of above mentioned diseases,” he said.

Detailed results of the research have been published in Scientific Reports, a high impact journal of England-based Nature Publishing Group.