New Role For Gene That Counteracts Formation Of Tumors
- Date:
- August 29, 2005
- Source:
- VIB, Flanders Interuniversity Institute of Biotechnology
- Summary:
- Scientists from the Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) achieved a breakthrough in cancer research. The researchers, connected to Ghent University, discovered the function of a mediator involved in suppressing the development of tumors. Using a mouse model, they have shown that absence of the mediator makes the mice susceptible to the development of cancer. Through this research, the scientists are contributing to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control tumor development.
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Ghent - Scientists from the Flanders Interuniversity Institute forBiotechnology (VIB) have achieved a new breakthrough in cancerresearch. The researchers, connected to Ghent University, havediscovered the function of an important mediator involved insuppressing the development of tumors. Using a mouse model, they haveshown that absence of the mediator makes the mice susceptible to thedevelopment of cancer. Through this research, the scientists arecontributing to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms thatcontrol tumor development.
Cell cycle: a vital, controlled process in our body
Everyday, the billions of cells that compose our body are being replaced:old cells die and new ones are produced. In the course of this process,each cell goes through a well-organized series of phases. First of all,the hereditary material, or DNA, in the cell nucleus is duplicated.Next, the nucleus divides itself in half; and then the entire celldivides, and the daughter cells grow into completely new cells. Becauseit is crucial that this cell cycle runs perfectly, various controlpoints have been built in to enable the cell to control the stabilityof the DNA. If the DNA becomes damaged, the cell cycle will come to astop.
A central role for the p53 protein in cancer
The p53 protein is responsible for stopping the cell cycle. Normally,this happens at the end of the growth phase - but, if the DNA has beendamaged or if other problems arise, p53 can also trigger programmedcell death.
Because p53 can halt the further growth of cells, this proteinplays an essential role in suppressing the development of tumors andblocking the onset of cancer. When cancer appears, the p53 protein isdeactivated - either through an alteration or mutation in the geneitself, or through modified activity of the proteins that regulate p53or that influence its activity.
Ptprv, a new target for p53
Research by GillesDoumont, Alain Martoriati and their colleagues from the team ofJean-Christophe Marine has revealed that the protein Ptprv works withp53. In certain circumstances, p53 directly influences the productionof Ptprv. In the case of DNA damage, Ptprv turns out to play a key rolein stopping the cell cycle and also contributes to blocking thedevelopment of tumors. This important role for Ptprv has beendemonstrated using mouse models. Although the Ghent researchers haveelucidated its role in the development of cancer, the actual functionof Ptprv has not yet been discovered.
Does Ptprv open new perspectives for the treatment of cancer?
After exposure to carcinogens, mice that lack Ptprv develop cancer muchmore readily than normal mice do. The findings of the Ghent researchersshow that Ptprv is an essential player in preventing and counteractingcancer. Further research can reveal whether Ptprv can be a potentialpoint of action for the treatment of cancer.
Relevant scientific publication
The research of Gilles Doumont, Alain Martoriati and their colleaguesfrom the team of Jean-Christophe Marine has been published in the majorscientific journal EMBO Journal (Doumont et al., EMBO Journal, 2005).
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Materials provided by VIB, Flanders Interuniversity Institute of Biotechnology. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
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