'Detox protein' is collaborator in pancreatic and lung cancer development
(Medical Xpress) -- UK scientists have revealed that a detox protein which mops up harmful 'reactive oxygen' in cells could also trigger pancreatic and lung cancer development, according to a study published in Nature, today.
The team at Cancer Research UKs Cambridge Research Institute investigated how pancreatic and lung cancer cells detoxify damaging Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in mice. ROS are chemically-reactive molecules containing oxygen which can generate cancer-causing mistakes in DNA.
In healthy cells, the detox protein Nrf2 steers a signalling pathway which disposes of this harmful reactive oxygen.
But the team discovered that in pancreatic and lung cancer cells, a faulty version of a gene called K-Ras sparked an unexpected upsurge in production of the antioxidant Nrf2. The findings unveil a new and surprising role for the Nrf2 protein as a companion protein recruited by K-Ras to trigger cancer development.
And to confirm these results, the team discovered that blocking the Nrf2 signalling pathway, decreased the development of both pancreatic and lung tumours.
These results suggest Nrf2 may be an important target for new drugs to prevent the development of cancer.
Lead author, Dr Gina DeNicola, at Cancer Research UKs Cambridge Research Institute, said: It seems counterintuitive that a key protein in the cells detox program which mops up harmful oxygen, seems to also be a trigger for pancreatic and lung cancer development.
But cancer is a complicated disease and this important knowledge will help us get to grips with the role of the double agent in question a protein called Nrf2. By understanding exactly how it operates, well learn how we can block its role in causing cancer.
Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: The more that we understand about fundamental cancer biology, such as the findings from this important research, the better equipped we are to beat the disease.
Research like this has already created the foundations for the development of many current cancer drugs - helping to save many thousands of lives.
And by discovering that a cells detox system appears to be a double agent also triggering cancer development in cells carrying a particular gene fault were one step closer to identifying new targets for potential drugs.
More information: Oncogene-induced Nrf2 transcription promotes ROS detoxification and tumorigenesis. DeNicola et al. Nature. doi:10.1038/nature10189
Provided by Cancer Research UK
-
Scientists discover potential new target for prostate cancer treatment
Feb 13, 2011 |
not rated yet |
0
-
Pancreas betrayed by 'double agent'
May 30, 2011 |
not rated yet |
0
-
Gene test could solve prostate cancer riddle and spare thousands from surgery
Feb 09, 2011 |
not rated yet |
0
-
Team pinpoints role of key protein in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
May 11, 2011 |
not rated yet |
0
-
Protein could be used to treat alcohol effects on pancreas
Mar 22, 2011 |
not rated yet |
0
-
Motion perception revisited: High Phi effect challenges established motion perception assumptions
Apr 23, 2013 |
3 / 5 (2) |
2
-
Anything you can do I can do better: Neuromolecular foundations of the superiority illusion (Update)
Apr 02, 2013 |
4.5 / 5 (11) |
5
-
The visual system as economist: Neural resource allocation in visual adaptation
Mar 30, 2013 |
5 / 5 (2) |
9
-
Separate lives: Neuronal and organismal lifespans decoupled
Mar 27, 2013 |
4.9 / 5 (8) |
0
-
Sizing things up: The evolutionary neurobiology of scale invariance
Feb 28, 2013 |
4.8 / 5 (10) |
14
-
Why is zone 1 in liver more prone to ischemic injury?
May 23, 2013
-
How can there be villous adenoma in colon, if there are no villi there
May 22, 2013
-
How can there be a term called "intestinal metaplasia" of stomach
May 21, 2013
-
Pressure-volume curve: Elastic Recoil Pressure don't make sense
May 18, 2013
-
If you became brain-dead, would you want them to pull the plug?
May 17, 2013
-
MRI bill question
May 15, 2013
- More from Physics Forums - Medical Sciences
More news stories
New fluorescent tools for cancer diagnosis
In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) and other non-coding RNAs are small molecules that help control the expression of specific proteins. In recent years they have emerged as disease biomarkers. miRNA profiles have been used ...
Cancer
2 hours ago |
not rated yet |
0
Modulating the immune system to combat metastatic cancer
Cancer cells spread and grow by avoiding detection and destruction by the immune system. Stimulation of the immune system can help to eliminate cancer cells; however, there are many factors that cause the immune system to ...
Cancer
2 hours ago |
not rated yet |
0
Scientists put bowel cancer under the microscope
Researchers from London's Kingston University have begun a two-year study which could help prolong the lives of people with colorectal tumours.
Cancer
5 hours ago |
5 / 5 (1) |
0
Researcher identifies breast cancer fighting hormone
Transformative research from Western University has identified new hormones in the body which may suppress breast cancer and stimulate the regression of breast tumors.
Cancer
6 hours ago |
5 / 5 (1) |
0
Ground breaking cancer research finds immune system link
(Medical Xpress)—Curtin University researchers have found evidence that targeting specific cells in the body can reverse the effects of cancer on the immune system.
Cancer
6 hours ago |
5 / 5 (3) |
0
Researchers identify first drug targets in childhood genetic tumor disorder
Two mutations central to the development of infantile myofibromatosis (IM)—a disorder characterized by multiple tumors involving the skin, bone, and soft tissue—may provide new therapeutic targets, according to researchers ...
Driving and hands-free talking lead to spike in errors, study shows
Talking on a hands-free device while behind the wheel can lead to a sharp increase in errors that could imperil other drivers on the road, according to new research from the University of Alberta.
FDA warns of infections tied to Tennessee pharmacy
(AP)—Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.
Engineered cytomegalovirus protects monkeys from HIV equivalent
(Medical Xpress)—A new study by researchers in the US has shown that an ancient virus can be modified to help in the fight against the simian immunodeficiency virus SIV, which is the equivalent in monkeys ...
Hormone levels may provide key to understanding psychological disorders in women
Women at a particular stage in their monthly menstrual cycle may be more vulnerable to some of the psychological side-effects associated with stressful experiences, according to a study from UCL.
Going live: Immune cell activation in multiple sclerosis
Biological processes are generally based on events at the molecular and cellular level. To understand what happens in the course of infections, diseases or normal bodily functions, scientists would need to ...