There May be a Way to Stop Cancer Growth

Lately researchers from the University of Texas, Anderson Cancer Center, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have been researching the Skp2 gene. Many scientists believe that if they understand the Skp2 gene well enough they should be able to make novel agents, which could stop or suppress tumor growth in many common types of cancer. After conducting experiments the scientists saw that certain types of cancer could be prevented or controlled by disabling the Skp2 gene. The Skp2 controls cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation, and the growth of new cells. In cancer where the cells are out of control the deactivation of Skp2 completely halts tumor growth.A special kind of cancer cell called an oncogene which has the power to become or make other cells cancer cells has also been shown to be directly linked to the Skp2. In these progressive forms of cancer the oncogenes are heavily expressed by the Skp2.When the Skp2 is deactivated however not only does it stop the over expression of the oncogenes but it also stops the growth of the newly cancerous cells through a process known as senescence.Senescence is the irreversible loss of a cells ability to divide or grow.

Researchers performed experiments on mice to confirm whether they could feasibly create a therapeutic drug as well as whether or not the cancer was stopped. They found that they were able to stop the growth of the tumors in mice who were deficient in two chemicals Pten and p19Arf these chemicals usually suppress cancer growth but are deficient in most kinds of human cancer.By deactivating the Skp2 they were able to stop cancer in mice with both deficiencies even though it was previously thought to only be able to stop cancer in p19Arf-deficeint models. Further testing on mice showed that not only can the Skp2 halt tumors taking advantage of faulty tumor suppressor chemicals it also emits oncogenic activity all by itself so its permanent removal reduces likelihood of cancer in the future.

Although the deactivation of the Skp2 gene will be revolutionary break through the application and usage still is flawed. In most forms of senescence the DNA is destroyed thus halting growth. But with Skp2 when the cells stop dividing they release proteins which protect their DNA. These proteins however cause inflammation and damage to their surrounding tissue. This damage has been proven to accelerated aging as well as lead to age related diseases including cancer (irony).

Hui-Khan-Lin lead researcher, said that the researchers would try to find out if the Skp2 or other genes can cause senescence in HER2-decient model to determine whether the Skp2 "is globally required for an oncogenic event."

Sources:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100317144636.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Latest+Science+News%29&utm_content=Netvibes

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081201233454.htm

Sam, Dylan, and Alex. Red.