Color test identifies cancer protein, improves drug development

Scientists from the University of Bath have developed a color changing test capable of identifying levels of cancer indicating proteins. Explained in Chemical Communications, the test is simple and paves the way for improved cancer research.

The protein AMACR, which is linked to the aggressiveness of cancer, is found in patients with several types of cancer. Lowering the levels of the protein slows the growth of cancer cells and reverts them back to normal behavior. Current tests are slow and complex in measuring the amount of protein, halting the advancement of new cancer drugs.

“The research suggests new ways of treating cancer can be developed based on reducing AMACR function, which is exciting, but progress has been extremely limited because of the technical difficulties in measuring function,” said lead author Dr. Matthew Lloyd, from the University of Bath Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology. "One of the important things about our test is that we can now quickly analyze samples and start investigating the development of new treatments based on reducing AMACR function. It will also allow investigation of the underlying biology, which is currently poorly understood. There is also potential for developing the method into a new way of monitoring the cancer. This is an extremely significant step forward in the field."

The color test uses a clear liquid that turns yellow within minutes of identifying the presence of AMACR protein. Capable of testing multiple samples at once, with more accuracy then previous testing, the test speeds up the development process of new cancer drugs.