Nitrogen, the Urea Cycle, and Cancer Growth

Well established in New York real estate investments and commercial leasing, Peter R. Friedman has guided Friedman Equities, LLC as chairman since 1970. Reflecting a longstanding interest in medical advances, Peter R. Friedman holds a board position with the Weizmann Institute of Science. 

Established more than 80 years ago, the public research university is situated in Rehovot, Israel, and works to benefit humanity through research and discovery. One recent Weizmann study in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute found that nitrogen metabolism changes are often tied to the emergence of new cancerous tissue mutations. 

After making use of nitrogen, the body creates the nitrogenous waste product urea in the liver through several biochemical reactions. This cycle results in urea being expelled into the bloodstream and it later forms urine, which is excreted. 

The research at Weizmann’s Biological Regulation Department focused on a specific enzyme within the urea cycle that had been inactivated in a large number of cancerous tumors. The result was greater amounts of available nitrogen, which allows the organic substance pyrimidine to be synthesized and which supports tumor growth. 

Reflecting the complexity of cancer, the pyrimidine-related mutations also have cancer-fighting benefits in increasing their sensitivity to immune system attacks. The bottom line is that either too much or too little nitrogen within the human body has a negative impact.

The Growing Appeal of Mixed-Use Lifestyle Developments

Since the 1970s, well-known real estate broker Peter R. Friedman's development firm has shaped key areas of New York City and been instrumental in large commercial construction projects, such as the 1 million square-foot headquarters of famed advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi. Peter R. Friedman has also expanded into desirable property markets in Connecticut and California and is developing a large-scale mixed-use property in New York City’s exclusive Wall Street area.

In reaction to the growing preference of home buyers and renters for live, work, and play living spaces, mixed-use developments have become more commonplace. Taking advantage of the large properties left behind by failing department stores, developers are building entire communities containing retail, entertainment, residential units, and outdoor space together in one complex. 

By placing restaurants and entertainment venues within walking distance of multi-family units, these mixed-use lifestyle centers can offer suburban residents all the convenience of living in the center of a city. Most developers agree that the success of a lifestyle center hinges on retailers. 

To attract the residents that can pay the premium rents associated with high-end mixed-use developments, the complex should contain high quality sellers of necessities such as groceries and entertainment spaces such as casual restaurants, stylish coffee shops, and independent clothing stores.