Scientists Investigate A Fine Balancing Act Between Stem Cells And
Cancer
Main Category: Stem Cell Research
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology; Neurology / Neuroscience;
Genetics
Article Date: 14 Apr 2008 - 2:00 PDT
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Speaking at the UK National Stem Cell Network Annual Science Meeting
in Edinburgh, Professor Silvia Marino showed how the mechanisms
normally involved in balancing different functions of stem cells may
also contribute to cancer. Her team from Barts and the London School
of Medicine and Dentistry is currently delving into these mechanisms
to understand how stem cells are normally regulated and what role
they may play in malignant brain tumours. This work has been funded
by Cancer Research UK, Oncosuisse, Barts and the London Charity,
Ali's Dream and Charlie's Challenge.
Professor Marino said: "Stem cells are present in the adult brain
where they normally play a role in repair and regeneration. We want
to know whether brain cancer can originate from problems in the
regulation of these cells. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly
clear that tumours maintain themselves with mechanisms similar to the
ones used by stem cells. We want to understand whether differences
can be identified between normal stem cells and cancer stem cells. If
this is the case, new drugs can be developed to specifically kill the
cells maintaining and propagating the tumour without harming normal
stem cells."
In the body it is vital that a balance is struck between maintaining
numbers of stem cells with making new stem cell derived tissues. This
is important in embryonic development and also in preserving healthy
adult tissues. If the balance is wrong then disease can arise. Cancer
can result from stem cells dividing too much, leading to an excess of
new cells. But if stem cells do not divide to replenish the stocks
for renewal and repair then the result can be ageing and possibly
degenerative diseases.
Professor Marino's group works to identify the mechanisms involved in
maintaining this balance and assess whether similar mechanisms can
possibly contribute to the formation and maintenance of malignant
brain tumours. For example, research to date shows that a gene called
Bmi1 is important for maintaining stocks of stem cells and without it
the stocks of stem cells are depleted. And importantly this gene is
overactive in various cancers including brain tumours.
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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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http://www.medicaln
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StemCells subscribers may also be interested in these sites:
Children's Neurobiological Solutions
http://www.CNSfoundation.org/
Cord Blood Registry
http://www.CordBlood.com/at.cgi?a=150123
The CNS Healing Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CNS_Healing
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