Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified the protein PIN1 as a significant driver of bladder cancer growth by triggering cholesterol synthesis, which is essential for cancer cell proliferation. In their study, published in Cancer Discovery, the team demonstrated that inhibiting PIN1 with an experimental drug called sulfopin, in combination with simvastatin—a commonly prescribed statin for lowering cholesterol—effectively halted tumor growth in mouse models of bladder cancer. This dual approach targets the cholesterol pathway, disrupting the fuel supply necessary for tumor development.
The research underscores the potential of repurposing existing cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, alongside novel PIN1 inhibitors to combat bladder cancer. Given that simvastatin is already approved for human use, this combination therapy could expedite the translation of these findings into clinical applications. Senior author Tony Hunter expressed optimism about the therapeutic implications, noting the possibility of future clinical trials to explore this strategy further. Click for More Details
