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Updated: May 20, 2026

Analysis of Protein Folding, Transport, and Degradation in Living Cells by Radioactive Pulse Chase
Published on: February 12, 2019
Alternatively folded proteins with unexpected beneficial functions
Soyoung Min1, James Meehan, Louise M Sullivan
1Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Human α-lactalbumin made lethal to tumour cells (HAMLET) and its complexes are novel nanoparticles with selective tumor cell toxicity. Partially unfolded proteins are key, enabling alternative functions and targeting tumor cell death pathways.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- HAMLET (human α-lactalbumin made lethal to tumour cells) represents a novel class of biomolecular nanoparticles.
- Partially unfolded protein structures, particularly protein-fatty acid complexes, exhibit unique biological activities.
- The selective cytotoxic effect of HAMLET towards tumor cells is a significant area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical overview of the discovery and development of HAMLET.
- To introduce the cellular targets associated with HAMLET-induced tumor cell death.
- To highlight the importance of protein conformational changes in biological function.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical data and scientific literature on HAMLET.
- Analysis of cellular mechanisms underlying HAMLET's cytotoxic effects.
- Identification and characterization of protein-fatty acid complexes.
Main Results:
- HAMLET and related complexes demonstrate selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells.
- Partial unfolding is a critical feature for HAMLET's functional properties.
- Specific cellular targets correlating with tumor cell death have been identified.
Conclusions:
- HAMLET and its related complexes are promising candidates for targeted cancer therapies.
- The study underscores the therapeutic potential of alternatively folded proteins.
- Understanding cellular targets is crucial for developing HAMLET-based treatments.
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