So many things in biology are about the shape of a molecule. For example, tumors overexpress certain membrane enzymes, thus surpassing the body's controls, and one way to attack them is to target these enzymes to provoke the death of the malignant cell. But we can't use their usual substrate because it might give strength to the tumor. Instead, we need a molecule with the right shape to enter the enzyme and disrupt its function.
Biochemists can figure out the general shape of such a molecule, but until we make a machine that can bond the atoms exactly right, we need to rely on nature and her infinite catalog of molecular shapes to find a potential candidate or, at least, a starting point.
That is precisely what Talia Frometa, from University of Havana, is looking for. Her fellowship at Instituto de Biotecnología - UNAM sought to test bufadienolides, a family of polycyclic molecules produced by a Cuban toad, for antitumoral activity against some very aggressive lines of cancer cells, with auspicious results.
Talia's work is a testament to the value of bioprospection and a reminder of the importance of preserving biodiversity. We thank Drs. Isel Pascual and Yvonne Rosenstein for helping Talia pursue these discoveries and sharing their knowledge.
