An image‐based small‐molecule screen identifies vimentin as a pharmacologically relevant target of simvastatin in cancer cells

What is it about?

Statins are taken by millions of people worldwide for cholesterol lowering. Statin use has also been associated with anticancer effects as well as adverse side effects related to muscle pain. Presently it is not clear how the anticancer and adverse effects are mediated. In the present study we identified the protein vimentin as a target of simvastatin, which one of the most commonly prescribed statin drugs. Vimentin is a structural protein that is important for normal function and is dysregulated in cancer. Therefore, our findings provide insight into an interaction that could have potential clinical relevance.

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