Small molecule inhibitors of cancer stem cells that target mitochondria

Dear All,

Cell Signal Unit (Yamamoto Unit) would like to inform you of a seminar by Dr. Nobumoto Watanabe from RIKEN.

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Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Time: 13:00-14:00

Venue: C016, Level C, Lab 1

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Speaker:

Dr. Nobumoto Watanabe, RIKEN

Title:
Small molecule inhibitors of cancer stem cells that target mitochondria

Abstract:
As compared to normal cells, differences in the metabolism of cancer cells or cancer stem cells (CSCs) have provided avenues to safely target cancers. To discover metabolic inhibitors of CSCs, we performed alkaline phosphatase- and tumorsphere-based drug screening using induced cancer stem cell-like (iCSCL) cells. From the screening of RIKEN NPDepo chemical library, we discovered several selective cancer-stemness inhibitors that targeted mitochondrial metabolism. Using our ChemProteoBase profiling, we found that one of them increased the level of enzymes within the serine biosynthesis pathway. We also found a role of serine in the protection of cancer cells from mitochondrial inhibitors. The existence of a compensatory mechanism to increase the level of intracellular serine will be discussed.

Host:
Prof. Tadashi Yamamoto

We hope to see many of you at the seminar.

Best regards,

Yuki Nakagawa

Research Unit Administrator

Cell Signal Unit