A 70-year-old leukemia drug is still yielding surprises. Researchers found that removing a protein called NUDT5 protected cells from the drug, even though simply blocking the protein did little. The unexpected result points to a hidden cellular role for NUDT5 that goes beyond the activity targeted by conventional inhibitors.
The discrepancy between removal and inhibition suggests the protein's presence—not just its enzymatic function—may be key to the drug's effects. This could help explain how the drug works at a deeper level and why some cells respond differently to treatment.
According to ScienceDaily, the findings underscore how much remains unknown about long-used therapies. Further investigation into NUDT5's alternative roles may open new avenues for improving leukemia treatment.