A novel study by Tulane University has shed light on a previously unknown molecular pathway that could impact the treatment of lung cancer, one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers globally.
Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, this research led by senior study author Dr. Hua Lu from Tulane University School of Medicine, opens doors to new treatment possibilities.
The Key Discovery: RBM10’s Role in Lung Cancer
The crux of the study lies in the discovery of the tumor suppressor protein RBM10 and its role in inhibiting lung cancer growth. This protein accomplishes this by suppressing c-Myc, a protein that, when overexpressed, drives the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
For the first time, researchers have identified a cancer-inhibiting relationship involving RBM10. The study reveals that RBM10 collaborates with two ribosomal proteins, RPL5 and RPL11, to destabilize c-Myc.
This interaction plays a crucial role in impeding lung cancer spread, marking a significant stride in understanding cancer biology.
The Mechanism Explained
Dr. Hua Lu’s team explained the mechanism as akin to two factories in a cell producing components for new protein machineries. In normal circumstances, c-Myc regulates this protein production process.
However, when disrupted by cancer, c-Myc aids in the accumulation of defective parts, leading to tumor formation. RBM10, with RPL5 and RPL11, destabilizes c-Myc, effectively shutting down tumor growth.
The Role of Mutant RBM10 in Cancer
A striking aspect of the research is the discovery that a mutant form of RBM10, often found in lung cancers, loses its ability to suppress c-Myc.
Instead of inhibiting tumor growth, this mutant form promotes it, offering a potential target for new cancer therapies.
Dr. Lu aims to delve deeper into how the RBM10 mutant functions, with the goal of developing an anti-cancer drug targeting it.
The strategy involves designing a molecule to target the mutant structure of RBM10, which is unique to cancer cells, thus suppressing c-Myc’s cancer-causing activity.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Personalized Cancer Treatment
This study not only enhances our understanding of the molecular intricacies of lung cancer but also paves the way for more personalized and effective treatments.
By targeting specific molecular pathways such as the one involving RBM10, future therapies could offer more precise and effective options for combating lung cancer, thereby improving patient outcomes and survival rates.
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The research findings can be found in PNAS.
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