Scientists link a protein to initial tumor growth in several cancers

A team led by scientists from The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have shown that a protein once thought to inhibit the growth of tumors is instead required for initial tumor growth. The findings could point to a new approach to cancer treatment.

The study was published this week as the cover article of the journal Science Signaling.

The focus of the study was angiomotin, a protein that coordinates , especially during the start of new and proliferation of other cell types.

"We were the first to describe angiomotin's involvement in cancer," said Joseph Kissil, a TSRI associate professor who led the studies. " And while some following studies found it to be inhibiting, we wanted to clarify its role by using both cell studies and animal models. As a result, we have now found that it is not an inhibitor at all, but instead is required for Yap to produce new tumor growth."

Yap (Yes-associated-Protein) is a potent oncogene that is over-expressed in several types of tumors.

In addition to identifying angiomotin's critical role in tumor formation, Kissil and his colleagues found the protein is active within the . Earlier cell studies focused on the function of the protein at the cell membrane.

"This pathway, which was discovered less than a decade ago, appears to regulate processes that are closely linked to cancer," Kissil said. "The more we study it, the more we see its involvement."

More information: "The p130 Isoform of Angiomotin Is Required for Yap-Mediated Hepatic Epithelial Cell Proliferation and Tumorigenesis," stke.sciencemag.org/cgi/conten … /sigtrans;6/291/ra77

Journal information: Science Signaling
Citation: Scientists link a protein to initial tumor growth in several cancers (2013, September 4) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-09-scientists-link-protein-tumor-growth.html
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