The researchers are investigating hereditary breast cancer to find new approaches to treatment -
Deborah Kelly and Sheng Zhi, assistant professors at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, recently received a grant from the Commonwealth Health Research Board to investigate hereditary breast cancer, an effort that could lead to new treatment approaches.
Research on the pension fund for the benefit of residents of Virginia.
The grant will fund a two-year project to study the underlying mechanisms of hereditary breast cancer linked to BRCA1. This type of cancer often has a poor outcome, especially Virginians compared to the national average.
"BRCA1-related tumors are generally triple negative, which means that they lack estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptor, which are effective drug target for the treatment of other forms of breast cancer," Mr. Kelly. "exist targeted treatments for tumors not linked to BRCA1, which tend to be more aggressive and difficult to manage with conventional therapies. They are also more likely to recur. "
Kelly recently received a Young Investigator Award from the Concern Foundation, which will provide funding to investigate the molecular mechanisms of oxidative damage that can increase risk of cancer breast, especially when combined with a BRCA1 mutation.
in her condition, BRCA1 acts as a tumor suppressor. the BRCA1 protein, a gene product, helps coordinate repair of damaged DNA in cells before they divide.
"tumor suppressor genes exist in all cells, but if it is mutated, the vital DNA protection is lost, "said Sheng.
If the BRCA1 gene is mutated, it does not adequately protect the DNA and can eventually lead to the transformation of cells in cancerous state.
about 12 percent of women in the general population will develop breast cancer sometime during their life, according to the National cancer Institute, but 55 percent to 65 percent of women who inherit a harmful BRCA1 mutation will develop by age 70. breast cancer
"problems arise when the BRCA1 protein is mutated and can not function properly with other protein complexes," said Sheng. "But until now we did not have the technology to display the structures directly, so we were not able to see exactly what went wrong."
With improved imaging techniques that Kelly's research team developed and Kelly Sheng can now see directly complex of nuclear proteins interacting with BRCA1.
"These new structural biology tools can help reveal the interactions between proteins in a new way," said Sheng, who has studied cancer biology without ever directly observe his subjects research at this level detail. "Honestly, it's just cool."
Kelly and Sheng will trace the structure of interactions related to BRCA1 healthy and mutated versions of the protein and determine exactly how each works at the molecular level.
"It's exciting," said Sheng. "This therapies design strategy based on the structure of the molecular processes targeting is fairly new. Instead of simply screening of possible treatments, we try to create a solution to a problem that is scientifically limited and well defined."
This approach could be used for other cancers too. Once Kelly and Sheng have a better insight into the molecular basis of BRCA1, the researchers may have information to develop new treatments for specific hereditary cancers associated with BRCA1.
"By identifying new molecular targets for BRCA1-related cancers," Kelly said, "we strive to improve the lives of women with these mutations and improve their long-term treatment options . "
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