Protein ‘magnet’ uncovers clue to cancer cell spread
May 2009
The destruction of a protein ‘magnet’ could lead to cancer cells breaking away from a tumour and spreading around the body, according to a study by researchers at the University of Manchester's Paterson Institute.
The team of scientists has discovered that a partnership between two proteins, called Tiam1 and Src, causes a whole group of other proteins to be attracted to Tiam1 - like metal to a magnet.
They found that these proteins are programmed to destroy Tiam1, leading the scientists to uncover an important mechanism that contributes to the spread of cancer.
Tiam1 is normally crucial for preserving the links between cells which cause them to stick to each other. Its destruction breaks the bonds between cancer cells allowing them to break free and spread around the body.
The Cancer Research UK-funded study could help scientists develop drugs that stop the destruction of Tiam1 and potentially stop the spread of cancer.