NHK World-Japan: Developing a new way to fight cancer

Atsuo Sasaki, associate professor in the Department of Cancer Biology at the University of Cincinnati and a researcher within the UC Cancer Center, discovered the metabolic mechanism of cells which could open up new possibilities for cancer treatments. A molecule called GTP holds the key.

Sasaki uncovered that a certain enzyme which reacted to GTP in cells acts as an "energy sensor," sending signals for cancer cells to grow. Furthermore, his recent study revealed the mechanism causing nucleolus enlargement in certain cancer cells, a mystery for more than 100 years.

Currently, he is conducting joint research involving scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the UC James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy to uncover how his findings could be connected to metabolic diseases related to obesity.

In addition to Sasaki, Timothy Pheonix, assistant professor at the UC James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, is featured in this news story. NHK World-Japan is a state-owned international boadcaster aimed at overseas markets and is similar to BBC World News and CNN International. 

Watch the full story and learn more about UC research.

Featured photo by Colleen Kelley/UC Creative Services