Scientists discover chemical probes for previously 'undruggable' cancer target

Hormone-driven cancers, like those of the breast and prostate, often rely on a tricky-to-target protein called Forkhead box protein 1 (FOXA1). FOXA1 mutations can enable these types of cancers to grow and proliferate. Today, FOXA1 is notoriously difficult to block with drugs -- but that may soon change. Scientists have identified a crucial binding site on FOXA1 that could pave the way for future cancer treatments. The team's findings also mapped out how tiny drug-like chemical compounds -- called small molecules -- interact with the protein.

Hormone-driven cancers, like those of the breast and prostate, often rely on a tricky-to-target protein called Forkhead box protein 1 (FOXA1). FOXA1 mutations can enable these types of cancers to grow and proliferate. Today, FOXA1 is notoriously difficult to block with drugs -- but that may soon change. Scientists have identified a crucial binding site on FOXA1 that could pave the way for future cancer treatments. The team's findings also mapped out how tiny drug-like chemical compounds -- called small molecules -- interact with the protein.

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