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A team of scientists from Monash University has solved the structure of a protein known as "LYCHOS," which can detect and regulate cell growth by sensing cholesterol levels in the body.

Human cells need cholesterol for healthy growth, but the way cells and cholesterol interact is a delicate balance. When cell growth becomes abnormal, it can quickly become a driving force behind many types of cancer, neurological disorders and other diseases.

The GPCR and plant-like transporter work together to sense cholesterol and regulate cell growth, thus making LYCHOS an exciting new drug target for diseases perpetuated by abnormal cell growth that can lead to the formation of cancerous tumors and neurological dysfunction.

Co-lead author, Associate Professor Andrew Ellisdon, who leads the Structural Biology of Signaling and Cancer lab at the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), said the team was both excited and surprised by their discoveries.

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