Drinking green tea can be quite beneficial, as researchers have discovered that a compound in the popular beverage can increase the levels of a natural cancer protein, known for its ability to repair DNA damage or destroy cells. Cancer cells, according to a new study.
The study of the direct interaction between the anticancer protein p53 and the green tea compound, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), published in the journal Nature Communications, points to a new goal for the discovery of anti-cancer drugs. “Both p53 and EGCG molecules are extremely interesting. Mutations in p53 are found in more than 50% of human cancers, while EGCG is the main antioxidant in green tea, a popular beverage worldwide,” he said. Corresponding author, Chunyu Wang, professor at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.
“We are now seeing a direct and hitherto unknown interaction between the two, which points to a new path for the development of cancer drugs. Our work helps explain how EGCG is able to increase the anticancer activity of cancer. p53, opening the door to the development of drugs with EGCG-like compounds “.
The p53 protein has several known anticancer functions, such as stopping cell growth to allow DNA repair, activating DNA repair, and initiating programmed cell death called apoptosis if the damage cannot be repaired. of DNA. One end of the protein, known as the N-terminal domain, has a flexible shape and can therefore perform several functions depending on its interaction with multiple molecules.
EGCG is a natural antioxidant, which means it helps undo the almost constant damage caused by the use of oxygen metabolism. Found in abundance in green tea, EGCG is also sent as an herbal supplement. The researchers found that the interaction between EGCG and p53 preserves the protein from degradation.
Typically, after occurring in the body, p53 degrades rapidly when the N-terminal domain interacts with a protein called MDM2. This regular cycle of production and degradation keeps p53 levels at a constant low.
“When EGCG binds to p53, the protein is not being degraded by MDM2, so the level of p53 will increase with direct interaction with EGCG, and this means that there is more p53 for anticancer function. It’s a very important interaction, ”Wang said.