Keep Up
At the University of Kansas Cancer Research Center, researchers have been studying a reoccurring protein found in many types of cancer(especially colorectal): Mushashi. It is believed that Mushashi causes abnormal cells to divide and develop into tumors. Studies have been undertaken to observe the relationship between Mushashi and APC, a tumor-suppressing protein. It appears as though APC regulates Mushashi and keeps it from being overexpressed. In this fashion, APC indirectly helps to stop the tumor-creating pathways of Wnt and Notch, which both encourage cancer cell multiplication. In reality, both Mushahi and APC regulate each other, with an effect of keeping either of them in check. Work is being done to find an inhibitor of the Mushashi protein. However, this proves to be a particularly difficult task, as the Mushashi protein is an RNA-binding protein, making a smaller target for the drug researchers are trying to create. Researchers have found a naturally occurring compound derived from cotton called gossypol. Gossypol directly binds to the RNA-binding pocket found on Mushashi, thus inhibiting Mushashi from expanding tumors. Gossypol works by stopping cells from dividing, as well as causing cell death in colon cancer cells. When gossypol binds to Mushashi, it stops Wnt and Notch from signaling and encouraging cancer cell multiplication. I find this article of particular importance because it may be a some type of cure for cancer, or at least some type of cancer. Many people, including children, are dying because of cancer, so any type of cure, even if it may be limited, is helpful to the generic research and goal of curing all types of cancer. Biochemistry such as this also interests me, as it deals with the some of the smallest imaginable things that are within each one of us. What seems remarkable to me is that such infinitesimal, apparently distant objects actually are the necessary building blocks for life, and actually make the biggest differences in life, including death. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160112144649.htm
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorI'm Angel Archives
April 2016
Categories |