UK team identifies new targets for Cancer Treatments

New cancer treatments could be developed following a breakthrough in research carried out by scientists at the University of Leicester.The experts, who led an international consortium of scientists, have identified key steps in cell division. Understanding how the cells divide will enable the development of treatments.Two papers published in the Journal of Cell Biology have arisen from research led by Professor Andrew Fry at the University of Leicester. Prof Fry, who is director of research in the College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology at Leicester, said: "Together, these two papers provide exciting insights on how cells ensure that they pass on the right amount of genetic material to their offspring when they divide. "They also highlight potential new targets for the development of novel cancer treatments."These papers identify a series of key steps that orchestrate the mechanics of cell division and highlight novel targets that could be inhibited to block cancer cell division.The study on cell division is funded by Worldwide Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK, the Wellcome Trust, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Medical Research Council and Hope Against Cancer, the Leicestershire charity.