Scientists at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy found a marine compound that inhibits cancer cell growth in lab tests which they hope can lead to new anti-cancer drugs with fewer sides effects.
The said UF-patented compound, called largazole was made from cyanobacteria that grow on coral reefs.
Researchers, who described results from early studies today (Aug. 7) at an international natural products scientific meeting in Athens, Greece, say it is one of the most promising they’ve found since the college’s marine natural products laboratory was established three years ago.
Largazole, discovered and named by Luesch for its Florida location and structural …read more

In their attempt to pinpoint novel therapies in the prevention of cancer spread or metastasis, University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine researchers have targeted a sugar – heparin sulfate- that supports the growth of blood vessel in the tumor.
Lung cancer is one type of cancer where therapies that would block metastasis is desperately needed. It is the most common cause of cancer death.
According to the research team, solid tumors need a network of blood vessels (vasculature) in order to grow –thereby promoting metastasis (or cancer spread).
According to first author Mark M. Fuster, M.D., assistant professor in the …read more