Vitamin E succinate controls tumor growth and enhances immunotherapy effects
Source: Uchicago Medicine, February 2025
High levels of fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) have been linked to increased tumor growth and resistance to immunotherapy. In a study recently published in PNAS, researchers from the University of Chicago Medicine identified vitamin E succinate (VES) as an effective agent in controlling tumor growth by promoting the degradation of FTO.
Epigenetics and epitranscriptomics play a crucial role in modifying gene expression without altering gene sequence. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one such mechanism, where methyl groups are added to the N6 position of adenosine on RNA. Adding these methyl groups enhances RNA stability; however, their removal by enzymes such as FTO can promote development of tumors.
FTO was the first identified m6A demethylase and has been shown to be upregulated in various cancers. A research team led by Yu-Ying He, PhD, Professor of Medicine in the Section of Dermatology at the University of Chicago, conducted a study to identify candidates capable of degrading FTO.