Greater Understanding of Tumor Growth Mechanism
Science Daily (May 16th, 2013)
By: Marshall Grant
Summary:
A recent study conducted by researchers at the Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry has discovered for the first time how the loss of a particular tumor suppressing protein can lead to the abnormal growth of tumors throughout the nervous system and the brain.
Tumor suppressing genes are vital to prevent the abnormal growth of cells within parts of our body. A new tumor suppressor discovered, called Merlin, is vital to the sustainability of our nervous system to prevent abnormal growth denying critical functions and processes. Two copies of this tumor suppressor is found on one of each chromosome passed down from each parent. The loss of Merlin is caused by a random loss of both copies in a single cell, causing sporadic tumors to develop. Inheriting one abnormal copy and loosing the second copy throughout a person's lifetime is seen in the inherited condition Neurofibromatosis Type 2.
The tumors generated from lack of the Merlin protein develops in cells called Schwann cells that form the sheaths that surround neurons. Tumors of these cells can block the vital functions of the neurons which is the basic structure of the nervous system and more importantly the brain. Tumors caused by lack of Merlin protein also can effect hearing, variety of disabilities, and eventually death.
This new study also investigated the loss of a protein called Sox10 which functions in the cause of these tumors. They develop Schwann cells and are a mechanism in the reproduction and sudden development of such tumors of Schwann cells.
One of the researchers said, "We have for the first time shown that human schwannoma cells have reduced expression of Sox10 protein and messenger RNA. By identifying this correlation and gaining an understanding of the mechanism of this process, we hope that drug-based therapies may in time be created and introduced that will reduce or negate the need for multiple surgery or radiotherapy."
The study is published in Brain: A Journal of Neurology.
Leave comments and questions down below...
The tumors generated from lack of the Merlin protein develops in cells called Schwann cells that form the sheaths that surround neurons. Tumors of these cells can block the vital functions of the neurons which is the basic structure of the nervous system and more importantly the brain. Tumors caused by lack of Merlin protein also can effect hearing, variety of disabilities, and eventually death.
This new study also investigated the loss of a protein called Sox10 which functions in the cause of these tumors. They develop Schwann cells and are a mechanism in the reproduction and sudden development of such tumors of Schwann cells.
One of the researchers said, "We have for the first time shown that human schwannoma cells have reduced expression of Sox10 protein and messenger RNA. By identifying this correlation and gaining an understanding of the mechanism of this process, we hope that drug-based therapies may in time be created and introduced that will reduce or negate the need for multiple surgery or radiotherapy."
The study is published in Brain: A Journal of Neurology.
Leave comments and questions down below...
Connection:
This article connects to our biology class because it focuses on the basic function of cells and the effects of proteins on the Human Body Systems. Both the nervous and immune system are effected from lack of vital tumor suppressing proteins such as Merlin. Tumors and abnormal growth of cells can deny the basic functions of neurons and blood cells throughout the body. It is intriguing to learn more about how cancerous cells and their outcome effect an entire body system as a whole, just like we are trying to learn more in our biology class.
How do tumor suppressors work?
ReplyDeleteA tumor suppressing gene codes for cell division to stop or discontinue for a period of time. The protein can project chemical signals to discontinue the division of cells in an area. On the other end, proto-oncogens code for signals to continue the process of cell division. Both work hand-in-hand to balance the division process of the cells in your body. If the tumor suppressing gene was to fail, then your cells will have no way to stop dividing or divide at a more rapid rate.
Deletehttp://envirocancer.cornell.edu/Factsheet/Genetics/fs6.TSgenes.cfm
Are there tumor suppressing proteins that inhibit the abnormal growth of tumors in other human body systems, other than the nervous system?
ReplyDeleteYES. A malignant tumor, for example, can have the ability of growing and potentially breaking into major blood vessels. These cancerous cells now have the ability to potentially spread to several places in the body. This process of spreading is called Metastasis. Cervical cancers in the lungs, and many other types of cancers can occur from Metastasis. Even breast cancer is different effecting different areas other than the nervous system.
Deletehttp://cancer.about.com/od/newlydiagnosed/a/whatcancer.htm