TEAM OF LIAI SCIENTISTS DISCOVER NEW WAY PROTEIN KILLS CANCER CELLS
Study Sheds Light on Proteins Ability to Target Tumors Which Could Lead to Future Cancer Therapies
SAN DIEGO - February, 2004 - Researchers at La Jolla Allergy & Immunology (LIAI) have discovered that the tumor suppressor protein, p53, when present in the cytoplasm of a tumor cell, can activate a process that leads to the death of that cell. This discovery helps scientists to better understand how tumor cells are destroyed and could help in the future development of therapies for the treatment of various cancers.
In a paper (Direct Activation of Bax By p53 Mediates Mitochondrial Membrane Permeabilization and Apoptosis, Science, February 2004) published today in the scientific journal Science, Douglas Green, Ph.D., and a team of LIAI researchers have discovered that the protein, p53, can not only suppress a tumor cell when present in the nucleus of the cell, but can also cause apoptosis, or cell death, when present in the cytoplasm or the fluid portion of a cell surrounding the nucleus.
LIAI scientists found that when active p53 is present in the cytoplasm of the tumor cell it activates Bax, a Bcl-2 related protein that promotes cell death. The p53- activated Bax then punctures the cell’s mitochondria causing the cell to die.
The tumor suppressor protein, p53, is found in the majority of tumor cells and is known as the “guardian of the genome.” Previously it was known to work in the cell nucleus by regulating key cellular processes such as cell cycle control, cell death and DNA repair. Its function in the cytoplasm was established by the LIAI team.
“We have discovered a new pathway for p53 to trigger the process that leads to cell death,” said Green. “This is another piece of the puzzle of how tumors cells are regulated and it could lead to better treatment for cancers and other diseases.”
Green and his team found that p53 protein could be transferred from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where once it stabilized it trigged cell death. The study was conducted in vitro using mouse embryonic fibroblasts.
Founded in 1988, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology is a non-profit medical research center dedicated to increasing knowledge and improving human health through studies of the immune system. Researchers at the institute carry out studies on the immune response, as well as research to improve vaccine development, and studies designed to understand and develop cures for autoimmune diseases and allergy.
About LIAI
Founded in 1988, the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology is a
nonprofit medical research center dedicated to increasing knowledge and
improving human health through studies of the immune system. Scientists
at the institute carry out research searching for cures for cancer,
allergy and asthma, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases such
as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis. LIAI's research
staff includes more than 100 Ph.Ds.
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