Gene research obstacles in cancer cell growth

It is well established that cancer cells feed on blood sugar, but it is not only the nutrient they require. Another important source of energy is Glutamine and new cancer research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine researchers ' studies and online journal nature, shows how the promotion of cancer gene, called the "Myc" directs its use.

The findings could offer a new approach towards the cancer.

The research team will explore how the Myc genes contribute to the growth of the cancer when it is actually surprising discovery: gene increases cancer cells, the use of Glutamine, Chi v. Dang, MD, PhD, Professor, Johns Hopkins, onkologian.

Experts joined the group in the effort of the protein for proteins, which corresponded to the Myc Cancer Researchers examined human. Myc genes in cells on or off, and eight of the proteins found in mitochondria, which are displayed in the cell, in response to a separate gene.

One of the proteins, which corresponded to the Myc gene glutaminase (GLS) supports cellular energy production. Cancer growth slowed significantly, when researchers removed the GLS.

On the basis of a previous investigation, Myc genes were found in the group is not influenced by GLS directly, but rather affects the Hematology Johns Hopkins, Associate Broker-"something that in turn controls GLS," according to Ping Gao, PhD, research.

That "something" turned out to be some of the microRNAs, small RNA that can bind to bits, and prevent the RNAs, which include instructions for making proteins. Two of microRNAs is called "miR23a" and "miR23b" link in the Myc GLS expression.

The researchers intend to continue their exploration of research mice to see if a GLS may interfere with the growth of cancer.

"If we know how the cancer cells from normal cells, how they can make use of energy and nutrients, we can identify new pathways for designing drugs that target the less side effects," said the Gao.