Cancer is known as one of the biggest threats of our time. Studies on this disease, which has not yet found a definitive treatment, are continuing. A study led by researchers at the University of California Irvine has made a discovery that will enable the development of highly effective treatments for even some of the deadliest types of cancer.
GLI1 proteins are effectors of the Hedhehog (Hh) signaling pathway, a signaling pathway that transmits information necessary for proper cell differentiation to embryonic cells. This protein is involved in cell fate determination, proliferation and modeling in many cell types and most organs during embryonic development. The research team has made a new discovery regarding the GLI1 protein, which is important in cell development but is also known to cause various cancers.
Cancer can be cured without the side effects of chemotherapy
The scientists who conducted the research stated that in some cases, proteins in one pathway can work proteins in the other pathway. The scientists explained the aim of the study as discovering how the molecular mechanism works that causes the GLI1 protein to be activated by other proteins in this very complex system.
GLI1 is tightly bound to a protein called SUFU. The SUFU protein suppresses GLI1, preventing it from penetrating the cell nucleus and spreading its genes. The scientists studied seven regions on the GLI1 protein that can be phosphorylated or transferred to a phosphate group. Of these seven regions, three that weakened the bond were identified. As a result, they discovered that activating GL1, that is, the entry of this protein into the cell nucleus, can cause cancer or uncontrolled growth of the cancer.
However, scientists think that if they can understand exactly what happens in a particular type of cancer or tumor as a result of this situation, it may be possible to discover a medicine specific to the disease or patient. With this discovery, patients will be able to treat without the side effects of chemotherapy.
According to the study published in the journal Life Science Alliance, this discovery could develop new treatment methods especially for melanoma (black tumor) and pancreatic cancer, which are considered the most dangerous types of cancer, as well as for childhood brain cancer and adult skin cancer.
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