Pro-Metastasis Protein Reveals Link to Neurodegeneration

In a recent study published in the journal Nature, researchers identified a protein that makes breast cancer cells more likely to metastasize. Additionally, the protein appears to trigger cancer’s spread, in part, by blocking two other proteins normally linked to neurodegeneration, a finding that links two of the most common diseases of old age. The protein appears to act as a “master regulator” by blocking tumor suppressor genes, helping to set metastasis in motion. The senior author of the study explained that although the research is in an early stage, learning more about how the process works may allow for new drug treatments that can block the triggering of metastatic disease. “This was a surprising finding, because these genes normally associated with neurodegeneration are now implicated in breast cancer metastasis and progression…It’s interesting that these totally disparate disease processes have a potential molecular link. We don’t know what the means yet,” said the study’s senior author. To read more about this study, click here.