Previously unconnected molecular networks conspire to promote cancer

University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center ^ | December 22, 2011

[decimon]

Inflammatory signaling blocks NUMB’s ability to deaden NOTCH1-driven tumor development

HOUSTON — An inflammation-promoting protein triggers deactivation of a tumor-suppressor that usually blocks cancer formation via the NOTCH signaling pathway, a team of researchers led by scientists at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reports today in Molecular Cell.

Working in liver cancer cell lines, the team discovered a mechanism by which tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) stimulates tumor formation, said senior author Mien-Chie Hung, Ph.D., professor and chair of MD Anderson's Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology. Hung also is MD Anderson's vice president for basic research.

"We've discovered cross-talk between the TNFα inflammation and NOTCH signaling pathways, which had been known to separately promote cancer development and growth," Hung said. Liver cancer is one of several cancers, including pancreatic and breast, associated with inflammation.

Their findings have potential implications for a new class of anti-cancer drugs currently in clinical trials. "Pharmaceutical companies are developing NOTCH inhibitors," Hung said. "TNFα now presents a potential resistance mechanism that activates NOTCH signaling in a non-traditional way."

[decimon]

Ping

[grey_whiskers]

Working in liver cancer cell lines, the team discovered a mechanism by which tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) stimulates tumor formation

So they named it wrong when they first discovered it, did they ? ;-)

Cheers!

...oh, and Merry Christmas!

[exDemMom]

It isn't necessarily misnamed. A protein like TNFα can have quite different functions, depending on context (like cell type, environmental factors, etc.). Also, a certain function can be associated with the absence of a specific protein, rather than its presence.

[Matchett-PI]

Interesting. bttt

[grey_whiskers]

Please check the fine-tuning on your sarcasm meter; the emoticon module appears to be leaking...

Cheers!