(Press-News.org) Contact information: Dr. Raphael Stoll
raphael.stoll@rub.de
49-234-322-5466
Ruhr-University Bochum
Evidence of harmful effect of bisphenol A-based plastics
Function and regeneration of switch proteins impaired
Bisphenol A impairs the function of proteins that are vital for growth processes in cells. This finding has been reported by researchers from the Ruhr-Universität Bochum and the University of Wuppertal. The substance, short BPA, is contained in many plastic products and is suspected of being hazardous to health. To date, it had been assumed that bisphenol A produces a harmful effect by binding to hormone receptors. The chemist and biochemist team has discovered that the substance also affects the so-called small GTPases. They published their findings in the "Journal of Medicinal Chemistry".
Complex mechanism of action
"Our research provides further evidence that the physiological effects of bisphenol A may be even more complex than previously assumed," says Prof Dr Raphael Stoll, head of Biomolecular Spectroscopy at the Ruhr-Universität. "However, we have also discovered other related compounds that indicate which path the future development of pharmaceutically effective substances against GTPase-mediated tumours may take," adds synthetic chemist Prof Dr Jürgen Scherkenbeck from Wuppertal.
Bisphenol A impairs the function of GTPases
Small GTPases are enzymes that occur in two states within the cell: in the active form when bound to the GTP molecule; and in the inactive form when bound to GDP, a lower-energy form of GTP. These switch proteins are crucial for transmitting signals within the cell. The researchers have demonstrated that bisphenol A binds to two different small GTPases, K-Ras and H-Ras, thereby preventing the exchange of GDP for GTP. The non-profit organisation German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe e. V.) has financed the project since 2011.
Bisphenol A is a suspected health hazard
Various organisations have pointed out that bisphenol A may be hazardous to health: the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (Bundesinstitut für Risikoforschung), the European Food Safety Authority, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the US-American Breast Cancer Foundation. However, those organisations have not yet provided a final assessment of the substance's hazardous potential. Nevertheless, the European Commission banned the use of bisphenol A in the manufacture of baby bottles in 2011. Academic studies indicate that the substance may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, breast and prostate cancer as well as neuronal diseases. The researchers therefore recommend a restriction of bisphenol A-based plastic containers for food products.
###
Bibliographic record
M. Schöpel, K.F.G. Jockers, P.M. Düppe, J. Autzen, V.N. Potheraveedu, S. Ince, K. Tuo Yip, R. Heumann, C. Herrmann, J. Scherkenbeck , R. Stoll (2013): Bisphenol A binds to Ras proteins and competes with Guanine Nucleotide exchange: implications for GTPase-selective antagonists, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 56(23):9664-72; DOI: 10.1021/jm401291q
Further information
Prof Dr Raphael Stoll, Biomolecular Spectroscopy, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Ruhr-Universität, 44780 Bochum, Germany, phone +49/234/32-25466, email: raphael.stoll@rub.de
Prof Dr Jürgen Scherkenbeck, Bioorganic Chemistry, Bergische Universität Wuppertal, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany, phone +49/202/439-2654, email: jürgen.scherkenbeck@uni-wuppertal.de
One click away
Information of the European Food Safety Authority on bisphenol A
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/bisphenol.htm
AG Biomolecular Spectroscopy
http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/bionmr/index_en.html
Editor: Dr Julia Weiler
Evidence of harmful effect of bisphenol A-based plastics
Function and regeneration of switch proteins impaired
2014-01-10
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Regorafenib: hint of minor added benefit
2014-01-10
Regorafenib: hint of minor added benefit
Advantage in overall survival, but disadvantage in severe side effects
Regorafenib (trade name: Stivarga) has been approved in Germany since August 2013 for adults with metastatic colorectal ...
KIT researchers develop artificial bone marrow
2014-01-10
KIT researchers develop artificial bone marrow
This news release is available in German. Artificial bone marrow may be used to reproduce hematopoietic stem cells. A prototype has now been developed by scientists of KIT, the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent ...
Study quantifies costs when failed banks shun financial transparency
2014-01-10
Study quantifies costs when failed banks shun financial transparency
New study shows that more transparent accounting helps bidders, lowers costs when financial institutions fail
Good accounting isn't just a hallmark of a well-run company: As a new study ...
Fresh faced: Looking younger for longer
2014-01-10
Fresh faced: Looking younger for longer
Newcastle University researchers have identified an antioxidant Tiron, which offers total protection against some types of sun damage and may ultimately help our skin stay looking younger for longer.
Publishing in ...
The cyborgs era has started
2014-01-10
The cyborgs era has started
This news release is available in German. Medical implants, complex interfaces between brain and machine or remotely controlled insects: Recent developments combining machines and organisms have great potentials, but also give rise ...
Cilia use different motors for different tasks
2014-01-10
Cilia use different motors for different tasks
PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Cilia are one of nature's great multipurpose tools. The tiny, hair-like fibers protrude from cell membranes and perform all kinds of tasks in all kinds of creatures, from helping clear ...
1 species, 2 outcomes: Team seeks source of body louse pathology
2014-01-10
1 species, 2 outcomes: Team seeks source of body louse pathology
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A new study seeks to determine how one parasitic species can give rise to two drastically different outcomes in its host: The ...
Primary care practitioners hesitate to prescribe antidepressants for depressed teens
2014-01-10
Primary care practitioners hesitate to prescribe antidepressants for depressed teens
Even in severe cases, most wouldn't use medications, says study in Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics
Philadelphia, Pa. (January 10, 2014) – Pediatric ...
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute uncover mechanism of genetic mutations known to cause familial Alzheimer's disease
2014-01-10
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute uncover mechanism of genetic mutations known to cause familial Alzheimer's disease
New study pinpoints structural effects of V44M and V44A mutations
Troy, N.Y. - New research, led by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ...
Bacteria-invading virus yields new discoveries
2014-01-10
Bacteria-invading virus yields new discoveries
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Innovative work by two Florida State University scientists that shows the structural and DNA breakdown of a bacteria-invading virus is being featured on the cover of the February issue of ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
Corpse flowers are threatened by spotty recordkeeping
Riding the AI wave toward rapid, precise ocean simulations
Are lifetimes of big appliances really shrinking?
Pink skies
Monkeys are world’s best yodellers - new research
Key differences between visual- and memory-led Alzheimer’s discovered
% weight loss targets in obesity management – is this the wrong objective?
An app can change how you see yourself at work
NYC speed cameras take six months to change driver behavior, effects vary by neighborhood, new study reveals
New research shows that propaganda is on the rise in China
Even the richest Americans face shorter lifespans than their European counterparts, study finds
Novel genes linked to rare childhood diarrhea
New computer model reveals how Bronze Age Scandinavians could have crossed the sea
Novel point-of-care technology delivers accurate HIV results in minutes
Researchers reveal key brain differences to explain why Ritalin helps improve focus in some more than others
Study finds nearly five-fold increase in hospitalizations for common cause of stroke
Study reveals how alcohol abuse damages cognition
Medicinal cannabis is linked to long-term benefits in health-related quality of life
Microplastics detected in cat placentas and fetuses during early pregnancy
Ancient amphibians as big as alligators died in mass mortality event in Triassic Wyoming
Scientists uncover the first clear evidence of air sacs in the fossilized bones of alvarezsaurian dinosaurs: the "hollow bones" which help modern day birds to fly
Alcohol makes male flies sexy
TB patients globally often incur "catastrophic costs" of up to $11,329 USD, despite many countries offering free treatment, with predominant drivers of cost being hospitalization and loss of income
Study links teen girls’ screen time to sleep disruptions and depression
Scientists unveil starfish-inspired wearable tech for heart monitoring
Footprints reveal prehistoric Scottish lagoons were stomping grounds for giant Jurassic dinosaurs
AI effectively predicts dementia risk in American Indian/Alaska Native elders
First guideline on newborn screening for cystic fibrosis calls for changes in practice to improve outcomes
Existing international law can help secure peace and security in outer space, study shows
Pinning down the process of West Nile virus transmission
[Press-News.org] Evidence of harmful effect of bisphenol A-based plasticsFunction and regeneration of switch proteins impaired