Gene variant may provide novel therapy for several cancer types
This landmark study is published in the June 6, 2013 issue of the journal Science.
Ramon Parsons, MD, PhD, Professor and Chair of Oncological Sciences led the team that discovered a mutation in the tumor suppressor gene PTEN, which has subsequently been recognized as the second most common mutation in cancer, especially in breast, prostate, and brain cancers. PTEN encodes a 403 amino acid lipid phosphatase protein that is critical to cellular growth, proliferation, and survival. Genetic inactivation of PTEN causes tumor development.
In the current study, Dr. Parsons and his team analyzed human cells and discovered a PTEN variant that has an additional protein sequence and is 43 percent longer than normal PTEN. They called this new variant PTEN-Long. Like PTEN, the long form has the same enzymatic activity, but unlike PTEN, it is secreted by the cell and can enter other cells, indicating that the added protein sequence acts as a delivery system for the tumor suppressor gene.
"This study culminates more than a decade of research that began soon after we learned the therapeutic potential of PTEN and the PI3K pathway," said Dr. Parsons. "We are excited about the potential of PTEN-Long as a therapy for multiple cancer types."
Using human breast and brain tumor cells that lacked PTEN and PTEN-Long, the research team introduced and overexpressed PTEN-Long and PTEN into the cells. They found that, similar to PTEN, PTEN-Long decreased the signaling activity on the PI3K pathway, thus reducing cellular proliferation. They also found that PTEN-Long was reduced in breast tumor tissue compared to healthy breast tissue.
To test the therapeutic potential of PTEN-Long, Dr. Parsons and his team injected mice with tumor cells, then administered PTEN-Long or a control preparation to the mice. For one of their tumor models, after five days of treatment, the tumors disappeared completely. The authors conclude that PTEN-Long alters signaling on the PI3K pathway to inhibit tumor growth and that its ability to enter other cells is critical to this process. As insulin operates on the PI3K pathway as well, the research team also noticed a brief increase in glucose concentration in the PTEN-Long treated mice.
"These findings indicate that PTEN-Long may contribute to cell homeostasis and suppression of cancer," said Dr. Parsons. "This gene variant has significant potential as a protein-based therapy to treat cancer, and may have implications in diseases such as diabetes."
Next, Dr. Parsons plans to study the normal functions of PTEN-Long, how tumors become resistant to it, what happens when it is missing, and how it can be used as a tool for therapy.
The work was funded by the NCI, The Octoberwoman Foundation, and the Avon Foundation.
Dr. Parsons is a named inventor of a pending patent filed by Columbia Technology Ventures related to the use of PTEN-Long for the treatment of cancer and may benefit financially from this patent.
Welcome to SUV System Ltd!
SUV System Ltd is ISO 90012008 Certified electronics distributor with 10 years of experiences.
We have built up long term business relationship with about many companies which are stockers and authorized agents. we have a steady and reliable supply to meet customer's demands to the greatest extent .Confidently, we are able to lower your cost and support your business with our years of professional service.
SUV System Ltd is Electronic Components Distributor Supplies,Find Quality Electronic Components Supplies Products IC(Integrated Circuits),Connectors,Capacitor,Resistors,Diodes,Transistors,LED at Suvsystem.com. Sourcing Other Energy, Environment, Excess Inventory Products from Manufacturers and Suppliers at Suvsystem.com
Electronic Components distributor:http://www.suvsystem.com
Connectors Distributor:http://www.suvsystem.com/l/Connectors-1.html
IC Distributor:http://www.suvsystem.com/l/IC(Integrated-Circuits)-1.html
LED Distributor:http://www.suvsystem.com/l/LED-1.html
Capacitor Distributor:http://www.suvsystem.com/l/Capacitor-1.html
Transistor Distributor:http://www.suvsystem.com/l/Transistors-1.html
Resistor Distributor:http://www.suvsystem.com/l/Resistors-1.html
Diode Distributor:http://www.suvsystem.com/l/Diodes-1.html
SUV System Ltd insists on the managing faith ofsincereness,speciality,foresight, win-win,so we build up stable-relationship customers located all over the world, including the States, Europe, Argentina, UAE, Malaysia, Australia,and India etc
we are focus on the following fields,and hope we can help you.
CPF1206B316RE1 CPF1206B422KE1 CPF1206B41R2E1 CPF1206B41K2E1 CPF1206B412RE1 CPF1206B412KE1 CPF1206B40R2E1 CPF1206B40K2E1 CPF1206B402RE1 CPF1206B402KE1 CPF1206B3K9E1 CPF1206B3K92E1 CPF1206B3K83E1 CPF1206B3K74E1 CPF1206B3K6E1 CPF1206B3K65E1 CPF1206B3K57E1 CPF1206B3K4E1 CPF1206B3K48E1 CPF1206B3K3E1 CPF1206B3K32E1 CPF1206B3K24E1 CPF1206B3K16E1 CPF1206B3K0E1 CPF1206B3K09E1 CPF1206B3K01E1 CPF1206B39RE1 CPF1206B39R2E1 CPF1206B39KE1 CPF1206B39K2E1 CPF1206B392RE1 CPF1206B392KE1 CPF1206B390RE1 CPF1206B390KE1 CPF1206B38R3E1 CPF1206B38K3E1 CPF1206B383RE1 CPF1206B383KE1 CPF1206B37R4E1 CPF1206B49K9E1
http://www.suvsystem.com/a/2703.aspx
