Bone cancer

Scientists Have Discovered A Molecule That Blocks The Work Of Ewing Sarcoma Oncogene

By: Kiryl Hil

Bone cancer is primary or secondary (metastatic) malignant tumor that affects skeletal system of the organism. Primary malignant tumors of bone represented by sarcoma, i.e. connective origin tumors, they arise directly in the bones or joints.
Metastatic cancer develops of malignant tumor cells, which were formed in other cancer-affected organs and tissues and gotten thus in bones or joints, usually by hematogenic way (via blood). There are many types of bone cancer; one of the rarest and most dangerous is Ewing sarcoma. An interesting and rather hopeful research was conducted in the USA.

Researchers from the Georgetown University Medical Center discovered a small molecule, which, they said, blocks the effects of oncogene responsible for the development of Ewing sarcoma.

Ewing sarcoma - this is a rare type of cancer of different types occurring in children and young people. If further research in this area confirm this discovery will be the first drug targeting the molecular mechanism of action for the treatment of this pathology.
The unique operating principle of this molecule based on the so-called protein-protein interactions. Based on this, it is possible to develop effective molecular-targeted therapy, said principal investigator Jeffrey Toretsky, MD, pediatric oncology and a researcher from Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Ewing sarcoma occurs in an exchange of DNA between two chromosomes (a process called translocation). The new gene, known as EWS-FLI1, is formed when the EWS gene on 22 chromosome combined with the FLI1, located on chromosome 11. It is that protein that responsible for the development of sarcoma.

Toretsky and his colleagues were the first who was able to separate these 2 genes. They were trying to determine whether it's possible the binding of EWS-FLI1 with other cell proteins. Indeed, the protein formed by the merger of two genes linked with other protein (RHA), resulting in the formation of complex that is capable to control transcription.

Using laboratory techniques found that the RHA and EWS-FLI1 played important roles in the development of cancer. Then the scientists tried to identify a specific locus, which is to be attached to EWS-FLI1 RHA.

Additional actions were aimed at finding molecules that can prevent the connection of these two proteins. Try about 3000 samples of the Georgetown National Cancer Institute, USA, the scientists managed to find one that is tightly binds the desired protein.

For the amazing study Toretsky was awarded in the amount of $ 750,000, which he intends to spend on further development of a new treatment of Ewing sarcoma.

Author Resource:-> Information about bone cancer including bone cancer symptoms, Definition of bone cancer and treatment of primary bone cancer. Visit: http://bonecancersymptoms.org/

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