Exploring the biophysical properties of phytosterols in the plasma membrane for novel cancer prevention strategies.

Exploring the biophysical properties of phytosterols in the plasma membrane for novel cancer prevention strategies. Biochimie. 2018 May 03;: Authors: Fakih O, Sanver D, Kane D, Thorne JL Abstract Cancer is a global problem with no sign that incidences are reducing. The great costs associated with curing cancer, through developing novel treatments and applying patented therapies, is an increasing burden to developed and developing nations alike. These financial and societal problems will be alleviated by research efforts into prevention, or treatments that utilise off-patent or repurposed agents. Phytosterols are natural components of the diet found in an array of seeds, nuts and vegetables and have been added to several consumer food products for the management of cardio-vascular disease through their ability to lower LDL-cholesterol levels. In this review, we provide a connected view between the fields of structural biophysics and cellular and molecular biology to evaluate the growing evidence that phytosterols impair oncogenic pathways in a range of cancer types. The current state of understanding of how phytosterols alter the biophysical properties of plasma membrane is described, and the potential for phytosterols to be repurposed from cardio-vascular to oncology therapeutics. Through an overview of the types of biophysical and molecular biology experiments that have been performed to date, this review informs the reader of the m...
Source: Biochimie - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Tags: Biochimie Source Type: research