Epigenetics

Uncontrolled cell reproduction begins when a cell accumulates enough mutations to activate certain growth promoting genes (oncogenes) and de-activate certain protection genes (suppressor genes) that are built into the genetic fingerprint of a person. The mutated cell seems to ignore the instructions to limit its self replication and soon it becomes many cells and continues to grow. Epigenetics refers simply to a number of processes that control gene expression (ie switching genes on or off) other than by mutation.  

Epigenetics is a new area of gene expression research focused on the modulation of the expression of genes, and in particular those associated with cancer. This process is mediated by enzymes such as Histones Deacethylases (HDACs) and Lysine Specific Demethylase (LSD1).  

Progen has rights to epigenetic compounds in preclinical and discovery stages of development. Many of Progen's polyamine platform products have demonstrated that they can inhibit HDAC and LSD1, leading to re-expression of 'silenced' tumor suppressor genes. This in turn has been demonstrated to lead to inhibition of tumor growth in a number of pre-clinical studies. Progen is working actively to determine which of these product series has the best commercial profile for further development and is moving these assets towards clinical development.  

With Progen’s strong and established epigenetics research efforts and early-stage compounds, we are at the forefront of this new and exciting area in cancer therapeutics.