NHK World-Japan: Developing a new way to fight cancer
International news outlet focuses on the work of Atsuo Sasaki and his cancer research
Atsuo Sasaki, associate professor in the Department of Cancer Biology at the University of Cincinnati and a researcher within the UC Cancer Center, discovered the metabolic mechanism of cells which could open up new possibilities for cancer treatments. A molecule called GTP holds the key.
Sasaki uncovered that a certain enzyme which reacted to GTP in cells acts as an "energy sensor," sending signals for cancer cells to grow. Furthermore, his recent study revealed the mechanism causing nucleolus enlargement in certain cancer cells, a mystery for more than 100 years.
Currently, he is conducting joint research involving scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the UC James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy to uncover how his findings could be connected to metabolic diseases related to obesity.
In addition to Sasaki, Timothy Pheonix, assistant professor at the UC James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, is featured in this news story. NHK World-Japan is a state-owned international boadcaster aimed at overseas markets and is similar to BBC World News and CNN International.
Watch the full story and learn more about UC research.
Featured photo by Colleen Kelley/UC Creative Services
Related Stories
Sugar overload killing hearts
November 10, 2025
Two in five people will be told they have diabetes during their lifetime. And people who have diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease. One of the deadliest dangers? Diabetic cardiomyopathy. But groundbreaking University of Cincinnati research hopes to stop and even reverse the damage before it’s too late.
App turns smartwatch into detector of structural heart disease
November 10, 2025
An app that uses an AI model to read a single-lead ECG from a smartwatch can detect structural heart disease, researchers reported at the 2025 Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association. Although the technology requires further validation, researchers said it could help improve the identification of patients with heart failure, valvular conditions and left ventricular hypertrophy before they become symptomatic, which could improve the prognosis for people with these conditions.
Combination immunotherapy helps overcome melanoma treatment resistance
November 10, 2025
MSN highlighted research led by the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center's Trisha Wise-Draper showing a combination of immunotherapy medications can activate a robust immune response and help overcome treatment resistance in patients with refractory melanoma.