New gene discovered that stops spread of deadly cancer: Scientists identify gene that fights metastasis of a common lung cancer
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
A cure for cancer, not likely, but scientist from the Salk Institute has, “Identified a gene responsible fro stopping the movement of cancer from lungs to there parts of the body…” (ScienceDaily). Once researchers were able to grasp the cause of metastasis researcher were able to understand why certain cancers spread. “The newly discovered pathway…may also help researchers understand and threat the spread of melanoma and cervical cancers,” (ScienceDaily). The new cell that has been found stop the cancers in it’s tracks, almost freezing it in place not causing any more damage or harm to other organs.
According to ScienceDaily, “About a firth of lung cancer cases are missing an anti-cancer gene called LKB1 (also known as STK11). Cancers missing LBK1 are often aggressive, rapidly spreading through the body…no one knew LKB1 and focal adhesions were connected.” The gene DIXDC1 has now been found to have a very special connection, creating the cancer cells to ‘stay-put signal.’ “DIXDC1,…turns out to be inhibited in cancer and metastasis…the scientist wondered if reactivating DIXDC1 could halt a cancers metastasis,” the genes were tested and it was prove that the cancer cells came to a halt, “the addition DIXDC1 did indeed blunt the ability of these cells to be metastasis in vitro and in vivo.”
Although this isn't the cure for cancer and is still in the research process it made aware for the cancer patients that would like to take the drugs offered to prevent spreading and possibly make the cancer cells come to stand still. “…no specific treatment for cancers harboring LKB1 or DIXDC1 alterations, but those with a deletion of either gene would likely see results from cancer drugs that target the focal adhesions…finding predicts that patients missing either gene should be sensitive to new therapies targeting focal adhesion enzymes, which are currently being tested in early-stage clinical trials…By identifying this unexpected connection between DIXDC1 and LKB1 in certain tumors, we have expanded the potential patient population that may be good candidates for these therapies.”
Resource:
Salk Institute for Biological Studies. "New gene discovered that stops spread of deadly cancer: Scientists identify gene that fights metastasis of a common lung cancer." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 17 July 2014. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140717124523.htm>.
