'Double-donut' structure of SPOP protein reveals mechanism of unexplained cancer mutations

MedicalXpress | июл 13, 2026

Mutations to the protein SPOP are widespread in cancer, yet many remain poorly understood. To address this gap, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists obtained structures of SPOP in both the presence and absence of these mutations. Their work captured the fine balance between active and inactive states of SPOP, showing how its activity is regulated and revealing that a key subset of cancer mutations disrupt this balance, providing the missing clue to their roles in disease. The study was published today in Molecular Cell.