Protein essential for healthy brain and cancer metastasis development
An international research team has discovered how the molecular pathway of a newly identified Proteins both for the brain development is essential as well as how a change in its path to the spread of Krebs could lead. The new findings could lead to an earlier Diagnose and a more targeted one treatment lead to brain diseases and cancer.
The team reports that the protein ZNF827 is essential for a healthy brain, but also as a cause of cancer metastases. The new findings, which were obtained with the participation of researchers from the University Medical Center Mainz, could improve the diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases and cancer. The study results were published in the journal “Nature Cell Biology” released.
Protein with two faces
According to Message the international research group, in which scientists from the 1st Medical Clinic and Policlinic and the Institute for Physiological Chemistry of the University Medical Center Mainz participated, identified a protein that is crucial for both the formation of healthy brain cells and the development of cancer metastases meaning is.
The researchers found that the Protein ZNF827 regulates a mechanism in these two cellular processes that enables cell migration: the so-called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Cells can migrate
As explained in the communication, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) epithelial cells, which are firmly connected in the tissue, to form so-called mesenchymal cells. These have the special property of being able to hike.
About the mechanismswhich control the EMT and the cell migration it enables, was previously only little known.
With their study, the researchers from Belfast (UK), La Jolla (USA), San Diego (USA), Montpellier (France), Stockholm (Sweden) and Mainz have now been able to prove that Zinkfingerprotein ZNF827 is primarily responsible for the regulation of EMT.
The EMT ensures in the brain that newly formed Neurons move to a specific location and form an intact nerve network. If this migration process is disturbed, the nerve cells do not connect properly.
As part of their research work, the scientists were able to show that if there is a deficiency in the protein ZNF827, fewer new nerve cells form and the cell migration falls sharply.
If there is an excess of ZNF827, the cells develop too early and as a result can damage arise in the brain. From these findings, the experts conclude that the protein ZNF827 is an essential factor for healthy brain development.
Less metastases spread
The EMT mechanism also plays a role in cancer key role. The tumor uses the mechanism to further develop, encapsulate and set its cells in motion.
In this way, the cancer cells can spread throughout the body and cause what is known as metastasis. Especially in one late stage of cancer, EMT causes the tumor to grow aggressively and spread metastases.
When investigating breast cancer cells The researchers were able to prove that the protein ZNF827 – similar to the nerve cells in the brain – also decisively determines the EMT of tumor cells: If there is a lack of ZNF827, the tumor only grew slowly and spread fewer metastases to the lungs.
According to the research team, these new findings represent significant progress in understanding the molecular processes involved in EMT. They open up new perspectives for innovative Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in brain diseases and in various cancers. (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- University Medicine Mainz: ZNF827 – a protein with two faces: essential for a healthy brain and cause of cancer metastases, (accessed: September 3rd, 2022), University Medicine Mainz
- Sahu S., Agirre E., Inayatullah M., Mahesh A., Tiwari N., Lavin D. P., Singh A., Strand S., Diken M., Luco R.F., Belmonte J.C.I., Tiwari V.K.: A complex epigenome-splicing crosstalk governs epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in metastasis and brain development; in: Nature Cell Biology, (veröffentlicht: 08.08.2022), Nature Cell Biology
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.