Kinázgátló

Kinázgátló is a Hungarian term that translates to "kinase inhibitor" in English. Kinases are a type of enzyme that play a crucial role in cell signaling pathways. They function by catalyzing the transfer of a phosphate group from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to specific molecules like proteins or lipids. This process, known as phosphorylation, acts as a molecular switch, often activating or deactivating the target molecule and influencing a wide range of cellular activities, including cell growth, division, metabolism, and survival.

Kinase inhibitors are a class of drugs designed to block the activity of specific kinases. By inhibiting these enzymes, kinase inhibitors can disrupt abnormal signaling pathways that are often implicated in the development and progression of diseases, particularly cancer. In cancer cells, certain kinases can become overactive or mutated, leading to uncontrolled proliferation and survival. Kinase inhibitors work by binding to the active site of these aberrant kinases, preventing them from performing their phosphorylation function and thus halting or slowing down tumor growth.

The development of kinase inhibitors has revolutionized targeted cancer therapy. These drugs offer a more precise approach compared to traditional chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, both cancerous and healthy. By targeting specific molecular alterations in cancer cells, kinase inhibitors can often achieve significant therapeutic benefits with fewer side effects. However, resistance to kinase inhibitors can develop over time, and research continues to explore new strategies to overcome this challenge and expand the therapeutic applications of these important drugs.