Granada-Based Scientists Prove That The Inhibition Of The Parp-1 Gene Slows Down The Growth Of Tumors
Main Category: Cancer / Oncology News
Article Date: 18 Sep 2006 – 0:00am (PDT)
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Researchers from IBIMER, a University of Granadas institute for the research of biopathology and regenerative medicine, in collaboration with scientists of the Lopez Neyra institute of parasitology and biomedicine, have studied the functions of a gene, parp-1, in the processes of initiation and progression of tumours in experimental models. They have found out that the lack or inhibition of the protein it represents decreases the speed at which neoplasias occur, as it prevents the inflammation that contributes to the proliferation of cancer cells. Part of the conclusions of this research work are published in the June edition of the journal Cancer Research.
Experts have used a model of experimental carcinogenesis, that is, have caused cancer in normal experimental mice and also in mice knocked out in that specific gene. After many experiments, they have found out that apart from collaborating to the DNA repair, the parp-1 gene has an influence on the growth of the carcinoma. Moreover, the genes lack of expression obstructs the angiogenesis process, which causes the creation of new blood vessels that allow sick cells to survive by receiving nourishment from the host organism.
The novelty of this finding is the possibility of designing new strategies that inhibit protein parp-1 activity in order to stop the progression of cancer. The next step consists of checking in experimentation models the efficacy of inhibitors in the treatment of cancer processes. So far, experts have used molecular medicines to carry out this delay process.
Researchers are trying to find more efficient therapeutical strategies that reinforce the action of antitumoral agents and decrease the administered radiation or chemotherapy doses. This way, the side effects will also decrease.
USA-based scientists have recently proven that this enzyme which repairs sick cells and keeps cell energy could be useful for the treatment of Huntingtons disease and other pathologies characterised by a low level of energy in cells. This is what an article published in the Chemistry & Biologyens August edition reveals, written by researchers of the Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease of Massachusetts General Hospital. These experts describe a new inhibitor of polymerase Parp1 which protects the cells affected by the Huntingtons disease in a lab.
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