Neurons, Brain Cancer Cells Require the Same Protein for Survival

Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine have discovered that the protein PARC/CUL9 helps neurons and brain cancer cells override the biochemical mechanisms that lead to cell death in most other cells. In neurons, long-term survival allows for proper brain function as we age. In brain cancer cells, though, long-term survival contributes to tumor growth and the spread of the disease. These results, published in the journal Science Signaling, not only identify a previously unknown mechanism used by neurons for their much-needed survival, but show that brain cancer cells hijack the same mechanism for their own survival. “PARC is very similar to Parkin, a protein that’s mutated in Parkinson’s disease,” said senior author Mohanish Deshmukh, a professor of cell biology and physiology. “We think they might work in tandem to protect neurons.” To learn more about the study, click here.