Scientists Peter Carmeliet and Sarah-Maria Fendt (KU Leuven/VIB) published in the prestigious Nature journal on their fundamental breakthrough in cancer research. They found a new way to prevent blood vessel formation by blocking the enzyme CPT1a. Tumors obtain nutrients for growth from blood vessels. CPT1a is necessary in endothelial cells to break down fatty acids. This appeared to inhibit the proper formation of DNA and subsequently cell division. In this way blood vessels, necessary for the growth of tumors, can no longer be formed.
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