Cancer Cell Achilles Heel

Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the University Hospital Heidelberg have identified a weak spot in cancer cells: the HDAC11 enzyme. When this enzyme is switched off, the cancer cells die, whereas normal cells survive. However, substances counteracting HDAC enzymes that are so far available inhibit also other enzymes and thereby damage healthy cells. The team around Prof. Dr Olaf Witt, head of a research department at the DKFZ and paediatrician at the University Hospital Heidelberg, now targets its research on finding specific active agents to counteract HDAC11.

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