Cellular Protein Uncovered For The Treatment Of Prostate Cancer

A cellular protein that stabilizes the tumor promoting signaling pathway has been found that is suggested will provide a new target in the treatment of prostate cancer by researchers from Hokkaido University.

Gefitinib is commonly used in the treatment of cancers such as lung and breast cancer, it works by inhibiting the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling. Gefitinib has a limited effectiveness in the treatment of prostate cancer. Epidermal growth factor receptor that is present on the cell membrane is involved in the development of lung, digestive, and dermis tissues, and is also involved in cell proliferations. When over activation is caused by a mutation it can lead to increased cell proliferation and the formation of tumors.

The research team discovered that when epidermal growth factor receptor is attached to a protein called ubiquitin it is practically given the kiss of death and becomes tagged for degradation inside of the cell, which is then facilitated by a protein called c-CBL. Degradation of epidermal growth factor receptors leads to decreased signalling from the receptor and decreased cell proliferation.

Signal transducing adaptor protein-2 stabilizes epidermal growth factor receptor by way of inhibiting its c-CBL mediated ubiquitination. When signal transducing adaptor protein-2 was suppressed the researchers observed that the prostate cancer cells showed decreased proliferation and did not form a tumor when transplanted into model mice.

Furthering research on signal transducing adaptor protein-2 will provide new insights into cancer physiology and help to support the development of new anticancer therapies. Signal transducing adaptor protein-2  could play a role in the treatment of Gefitinib resistant prostate cancers.