Research could lead to targeted treatment that kills only cancerous cells

Date: Aug-09-2013Researchers at Warwick Medical School have identified the key role played by a team of proteins in the process of mitosis. Working out how to control them may give scientists a way to destroy cancerous cells.

The study, published in The Journal of Cell Biology, highlights the role of a newly identified team of proteins, TACC3-ch-TOG-clathrin, in forming inter-microtubule bridges that stabilise the kinetochore fibres (K-fibres) used in mitosis.

When a cell divides, it produces a mitotic spindle which then makes sure that the chromosomes are divided equally between the two new cells. Failure to do so efficiently can lead to problems; those cells with either too few or too many chromosomes are at risk of becoming cancerous.

In order to do this the mitotic spindle uses K-fibres to allow for chromosome movement around the cell. These fibres are comprised of even smaller microtubules, bundled together via what may be termed 'bridges' - which is where the team of proteins comes in.

When TACC3 is removed from the cell, the clathrin is no longer able to bind
the microtubules. Other bridges do exist but they only represent about 40%
of the total so the microtubules, and as a result the mitotic spindle, are significantly weaker.

By developing methods to rapidly remove the team of proteins, the researchers have been able to determine that removing TACC3 allows us
to make the cells arrest and die.

Steven Royle, Associate Professor in Biomedical Cell Biology, explained, "That sounds like a negative, the idea of a cell dying. However it's vital to remember that most adult cells are no longer dividing and what we are suggesting is being able to shut down mitosis
in those that are multiplying."

There are other functions associated with cell division that would need to
be considered, such as repairing damage, but Royle firmly believes that
this is still an important step in tackling cancerous cells.

He added, "Though it isn't yet capable of being fully targeted to kill only cancerous cells, neither are the current treatments. Existing drugs like taxanes, for example, do not discriminate between cancerous cells and normal cells. Hopefully the next development will allow us to use a greater understanding of how this team of proteins can be used in a more clinical environment."

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.