|
A gene has been
identified that may help scientists understand the biology of lung
cancer.
The doscovery
was made by scientists at Cambridge University and the Medical Research
Council.
Studies in mice
showed that when the gene, known as Dutt1/Robo1, is missing during
foetal development the lungs grow abnormally.
When the gene
was deleted from a group of mice, 63% died at birth.
Those that survived
went on to suffer pre-cancerous abnormalities in their lungs similar
to those which herald lung cancer in humans.
The researchers
believe when the gene is defective it may open the door for cancer
triggers such as tobacco tar.
Further work
was expected to lead to better ways of investigating the link between
genetic mutations and lung cancer.
The findings
are published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy
of Sciences.
The scientists,
led by Jian Xian from the MRC Molecular Oncology Group at Cambridge
University, said the mouse mutants could be the starting point for
useful models of multistep lung tumour development.
They wrote:
"The observed cellular phenotypes of hyperplasia and dysplasia
(abnormal growths) have a parallel in the early development of human
lung cancer."
|
,mmmm,,Sign
The Petition 
