A Paper on ITE Promoting Cancer Cell Differentiation Has Been Published

MADISON, Wis. - June 16, 2015 - PRLog -- Scientists from AhR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Zhejiang University have jointly published a peer-reviewed scientific article in the journal Nature Communications documenting ITE’s capability in promoting differentiation of cancer cells or cancer stem cells in cell culture models and in blocking growth of cancer tissues derived from human cancer cell lines in whole animal modeling systems.

ITE is an endogenous ligand or natural hormone for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ah receptor or AhR). Once binding to the receptor, ITE activates and drives the hormone-receptor complex in mediating a series of important biological and pharmacological processes in the body. Evidences collected by scientists from AhR Pharmaceuticals and a global research community as well have demonstrated ITE’s potentials in treating cancer, obesity, and disorders related to imbalanced actions of immune systems.

The paper revealed a molecular mechanism on how ITE promotes differentiation of cancer cells or cancer stem cells by stimulating its receptor, the Ah receptor, to bind to the promoter region of Oct4 gene and then reduce the production of its gene product. Oct4 inhibits differentiation and reducing the production of Oct4 can, therefore, promote the differentiation process.

“It has been known to the field for a couple of decades that the Ah receptor can induce cell differentiation,” commented Dr. Jiasheng (Jason) Song, the Chief Scientific Officer of AhR Pharmaceuticals. “But it was not known until now the exact mechanism behind.” “Differentiation of cancer cells or cancer stem cells will be greatly helpful in controlling and fighting cancer by rendering the aggressive and violent cancer cells or cancer stem cells into more peaceful and quieter cancer cells,” continued Dr. Song. “Generally, differentiated cancers have a much better prognosis.”

The paper is entitled “Tryptophan derivatives regulate the transcription of Oct4 in stem-like cancer cells”. Leading the research efforts of AhR Pharmaceuticals’ on ITE’s therapeutic potentials is Dr. Jiasheng (Jason) Song, a major inventor of ITE technologies and Chief Scientific Officer of the company. The Zhejiang University science team is led by Dr. Ying-Jie Wang, Professor at the School of Medicine. To access the full paper, please follow this link: http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2015/150610/ncomms8209/full/ncomms8209.html.

For more information on AhR Pharmaceuticals, Inc., its technologies, and research activity, please visit www.ahrpharma.com. For more information on Zhejiang University, please visit www.zju.edu.cn. A related news story in Chinese published by the Zhejiang University official website is accessible through this link: http://www.news.zju.edu.cn/news.php?id=41805.