Researchers at the Wistar Institute, an independent research institute biomedical nonprofit based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, may have found a therapeutic target in neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a disorder inherited predisposition to cancer, and cancers related as mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining of major organs and body cavities.
Merlin, the protein encoded by the NF2 gene, interacts with a protein called angiomotin would. "Necessary for the transport of cells that form new blood vessels angiomotin, it is fascinating to watch so closely linked to Merlin, the product of the loss of NF2 gene leading to tumor formation," said Joseph Kissil, Ph.D . driver study author and associate professor of molecular and cellular oncogenesis program Wistar Institute Cancer Center.
The researchers say this discovery provided a new potential method for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma and NF2. They are essentially starving the tumor cells, an approach already used in other therapies against cancer. "What makes a tempting target angiomotin is that it is used by blood vessels and tumor cells growing need nutrients such as blood," continued Kissil.
Merlin, however, is part of a molecular signaling pathway that regulates cell growth and division. However, if a channel protein is disrupted, can alter the function of other proteins along the canal. Merlin mutations were found in approximately half of all cases of mesothelioma disease, and in some cases, thyroid and bladder cancer.
Merlin, the protein encoded by the NF2 gene, interacts with a protein called angiomotin would. "Necessary for the transport of cells that form new blood vessels angiomotin, it is fascinating to watch so closely linked to Merlin, the product of the loss of NF2 gene leading to tumor formation," said Joseph Kissil, Ph.D . driver study author and associate professor of molecular and cellular oncogenesis program Wistar Institute Cancer Center.
The researchers say this discovery provided a new potential method for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma and NF2. They are essentially starving the tumor cells, an approach already used in other therapies against cancer. "What makes a tempting target angiomotin is that it is used by blood vessels and tumor cells growing need nutrients such as blood," continued Kissil.
Merlin, however, is part of a molecular signaling pathway that regulates cell growth and division. However, if a channel protein is disrupted, can alter the function of other proteins along the canal. Merlin mutations were found in approximately half of all cases of mesothelioma disease, and in some cases, thyroid and bladder cancer.
