Suppressing Rogue Gene May Block Spread of Most Cancers

Scientists have discovered a rogue gene that--if blocked by the appropriate medications--could stop cancer from metastasizing. This finding is a breakthrough in the understanding of how cancer spreads. It is hoped that this research will lead to new drugs that stop the crucial late stage of the disease when cancer cells spread to other regions of the body.

The culprit gene, known as WWP2 (WW domain-containing protein 2), is an enzymic bonding agent found inside cancer cells. It attacks and breaks down a natural inhibitor in the body that normally prevents cancer cells spreading. The scientists, from the University of East Anglia (UEA; Norwich, UK), discovered that by blocking WWP2, levels of the natural inhibitor are increased and the cancer cells remain dormant. If a drug was developed that deactivated WWP2, conventional therapies and surgery could be used on primary tumors, with no risk of the disease taking hold other parts of the body.

Lead author Dr. Andrew Chantry, of UEA's School of Biological Sciences, reported that the discovery could lead to the development of a new generation of drugs within the next decade that could be used to block the aggressive spread of most forms of the disease, including breast, brain, colon, and skin cancer. "The late-stages of cancer involve a process known as metastasis--a critical phase in the progression of the disease that cannot currently be treated or prevented,” said Dr. Chantry. "The challenge now is to identify a potent drug that will get inside cancer cells and destroy the activity of the rogue gene. This is a difficult but not impossible task, made easier by the deeper understanding of the biological processes revealed in this study.”

The research was funded by UK-based charity the Association of International Cancer Research (AICR; Fife, UK). Dr. Mark Matfield, scientific coordinator of AICR, said, "This is a very exciting new discovery and a perfect example of the way that basic research into cancer can open up ways to develop new ways to treat cancer.”

The initial discovery was made while researchers were studying a group of natural cancer cell inhibitors called Smads. Dr. Surinder Soond, who led the research in the laboratory, commented, "This is a very novel and exciting approach to treating cancer and the spread of tumors which holds great potential.”

The study's findings were published January 25, 2011, in the journal Oncogene.

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