Researchers from John Hopkins identified a novel method to study tyrosine kinase Src, an important protein implicated in cancer. An inactivated, mutated version of the Src protein, which could again be rendered functional by a small molecule called imidazole, was inserted into live animals. According to the research, published in Science last week, not only helped understand the mechanism of Src's action, but also identify potential treatment leads.

"Understanding the functions of different proteins in normal states and disease states is crucial for treatment development because it can help identify new therapeutic targets," says Cole. Insights into tyrosine kinases could be particularly important for determining new cancer treatments, since scientists think that many different types are involved. "For example, Gleevec, which is used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors and chronic myeloid leukemia, is the most successful magic bullet against cancer in many years and works by blocking tyrosine kinase activity," Cole says.

According to Cole and the other authors, they plan to adapt their approach to develop a method to screen drug candidates, and possibly to apply the same principle to other genetic diseases.

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