Fresh hope for breast cancer
Working together, Pak1 and DLC1 enable breast cancer cells to survive, multiply and spread. Pak1 triggers a tiny chemical change in DLC1 which, in its modified form, appears to lose its ability to tell cells to die - thus enabling cancer cells to thrive.
Scientists at the University of Texas believe that targeting either one of the proteins can trigger cancer cells to self-destruct. Researchers examined 60 breast tumours, finding elevated levels of DLC1 in 54, with five out of six containing the modified form of DLC1. In mice, genetically engineered to over-produce DLC1, cells moved faster than normal, reproduced more quickly, and grew without normal cell-to-cell contacts.
When the team engineered a form of DLC1 without the crucial site that is modified by contact with Pak1, the protein could no longer block cell death and form tumours.
Dr Emma Croager at Cancer Research UK said the findings were exciting but further research was needed to see if DLC1 can stop the growth and spread of breast cancer.
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Proaspete de speranþã pentru cancerul de sân - Fresh hope for breast cancer - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate