How a Neural Stem Cell Turns into a Tumor Stem Cell - Researchers Identify Key Molecules
Some time ago, researchers were also successful in isolating tumor stem cells from glioblastomas. These have the characteristics of stem cells, that is, they have the capability of self-renewal. This means that tumor stem cells constantly generate new tumors. Possibly this is the reason why tumors can recur despite treatment. However, how does a stem cell, which the organism needs to generate new cells, turn into a tumor stem cell? “Tumor stem cells in the brain use several key regulators which normally control the generation of new neurons in the adult brain,” said Professor Angelo L. Vescovi (University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy) in Berlin.
These include the ephrins, an important substance group of signaling molecules in the brain and their target molecules (receptors) on the stem cells, the Eph receptors, to which they bind. Both carry out diverse tasks in the brain, including the regulation of neuron regeneration. As Professor Vescovi reported in Berlin, he and his colleagues mapped the genetic blueprint not only for the Eph receptors, but for their binding partners the ephrins as well – and this both in the glioblastoma tissue and in the tumor stem cells contained in this tissue.
One receptor, EphA2, was highly overexpressed. In first in vitro experiments, they succeeded in down-regulating the activity of this receptor. As a consequence, the tumor stem cells no longer had the capacity of self-renewal, thus drying up their ability to generate brain tumors. The tumor stem cells were not driven to apoptosis, that means they were still present, but they lost their characteristic as a tumor stem cell, a sort of cell reprogramming, which took away carcinogenicity.
Please note: the following paragraphs have been embargoed until Friday, June 17, 2011, 1:00 PM CEST Researchers Identify Key Molecule of Stem Cells in Human Glioblastoma Cells Professor Günther Schütz of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg and Professor Peter Lichter (also DKFZ) recently identified a specific molecule on brain stem cells – the protein Tlx. It is a transcription factor which stimulates the activity of specific genes, inducing normal NSCs to migrate from their niche and develop into healthy neurons. “However, if the stem cell produces too much of this protein it develops into a tumor cell,” Professor Schütz said at the Berlin meeting.
Next, the researchers succeeded in elucidating the mechanism by which Tlx turns a NSC into a glioblastoma cell. They discovered that excess Tlx in the NSCs deactivates two genes, thus inducing these cells to secrete increased quantities of Tlx. This means that the NSC becomes a glioblastoma cell, losing its original characteristics and taking on a new identity:
The organizers were Professor Helmut Kettenmann and Dr. Rainer Glaß of the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch, Professor Peter Vajkoczy and Dr. Michael Synowitz (Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin) and Professor Jürgen Kiwit (Helios Klinikum Berlin-Buch).
Read more at Nano Patents and Innovations
Source:
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).