Montana State University

Montana State Researchers Discover Backup Cellular Pathway for Cysteine Production, Opening New Avenues for Cancer Therapy

- Montana State University scientists discovered a previously unknown backup system that allows mammalian cells to produce the essential amino acid cysteine when primary disulfide reductase systems fail. - The nine-year study, published in Nature Chemical Biology, overturns the long-held belief that cells cannot survive without functioning disulfide reductase systems. - The newly identified pathway chemically severs a carbon-sulfur bond in cystine to release cysteine, a mechanism that may have evolved to protect against electrophilic toxins. - Researchers suggest this same protective pathway may shield cancer cells from chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, and disabling it could enhance treatment susceptibility.