In patients with ES, cancer cells' DNA is unwound abnormally from a condensed, compact state. Once regions of genetic code are open, important genes are turned on to promote the growth of cancer cell. (CUSABIO provides proteins, antibodies, genes and kits. )

In a new research, scientists from the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a new screening method, which can efficiently test thousands of potential drugs to see whether they can reverse abnormal DNA unwinding in ES.

Using the powerful technique, the research team found a group of drug compounds, which was extremely active in the cell model of ES. The scientists noted that the study also provided a treatment strategy that might be applied to a variety of cancers.

The majority of ES patients have a DNA mutation in their cancer cells that creates a completely new gene called EWSR1-FLI1. Previous research showed that this mutant gene produces a protein that travels to unexpected spots along the genome, causing it to unwind abnormally.

Based on the discovery, the researchers developed a lab test to reveal the special signature of DNA packaging in Ewing sarcoma. They investigated regions of chromatin that are unwound in the cancer cells, but not in normal cells.

There are characteristic regions where the oncogene goes in ES to open up regions of DNA. It provides a unique signature for this cancer, which is not observed in other cancers.

The team tested hundreds of small molecules against the cellular model to see if the compounds restored normal chromatin structure. Finally, they discovered that a class of compounds called histone deactylase inhibitors decreased chromatin accessibility at targeted sites. Previous research showed that these inhibitors are a potential therapy for ES. The research team also found other new active molecules.

The study could offer a targeted drug discovery strategy. Using the new approach, the researchers could look for small molecules for the treatment of a host of diseases.