Tumors, created 'super protein' that blocks metastasis. Experiments on mice were good
A 'super protein' that can block behind the process that allows cancer to enter into the bloodstream to invade other organs of the body, giving rise to metastases. E 'was tested by Stanford University on mice, in a study published in Nature Chemical Biology. It is a protein-engineered, modified version of the natural protein Axl, which functions as a kind of 'poisoned bait'. Engaging in another protein called Gas6, prevents it from triggering the mechanism by which the cancer can travel from one tissue to another. Administered intravenously in laboratory animals with mammary tumors and ovarian, the new protein has reduced metastasis, respectively, 78% and 90% compared to the control group of rodents, not treated with the substance. An encouraging result that could lead to new treatments in the future.
The study. "It 'a very promising therapy from preclinical studies that appear to be effective and non-toxic. Could you open a new approach to the treatment of cancer," says Amato J. Giaccia, one of the authors. "The majority of patients who die from cancer are affected by metastatic forms of the disease," notes Jennifer Cochran of the research team. In an attempt to slow down or block the metastasis used today in fact chemotherapy, which does not always work and is also burdened by severe side effects.
The bait that blocks metastasis. Stanford scientists have tried another way: to try to prevent the interaction between the two proteins (Axl located on tumor cells and its counterpart circulating Gas6), which triggers the spread of the tumor, giving rise to metastases. When in fact, two Gas6 engage two Axl, it generates a signal that allows the cancer to travel from one organ or tissue to another through blood. The researchers produced in the laboratory an altered version of Axl, that just as a bait 'fishing' Gas6 in the bloodstream and prevents it to bind and activate the Axl protein present as bristles on the surface of cells.
The testing does not stop. The 'super protein' has already started to industrial development through Ruga Corporation, a biotech start-up in Palo Alto in California, of which Giaccia and Cochran are scientific advisors. The company has in-licensed the protein engineered and proceed to further preclinical testing to see if its administration can be safe and potentially effective in humans.
The study. "It 'a very promising therapy from preclinical studies that appear to be effective and non-toxic. Could you open a new approach to the treatment of cancer," says Amato J. Giaccia, one of the authors. "The majority of patients who die from cancer are affected by metastatic forms of the disease," notes Jennifer Cochran of the research team. In an attempt to slow down or block the metastasis used today in fact chemotherapy, which does not always work and is also burdened by severe side effects.
The bait that blocks metastasis. Stanford scientists have tried another way: to try to prevent the interaction between the two proteins (Axl located on tumor cells and its counterpart circulating Gas6), which triggers the spread of the tumor, giving rise to metastases. When in fact, two Gas6 engage two Axl, it generates a signal that allows the cancer to travel from one organ or tissue to another through blood. The researchers produced in the laboratory an altered version of Axl, that just as a bait 'fishing' Gas6 in the bloodstream and prevents it to bind and activate the Axl protein present as bristles on the surface of cells.
The testing does not stop. The 'super protein' has already started to industrial development through Ruga Corporation, a biotech start-up in Palo Alto in California, of which Giaccia and Cochran are scientific advisors. The company has in-licensed the protein engineered and proceed to further preclinical testing to see if its administration can be safe and potentially effective in humans.
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