Protein essential for healthy brain and cancer metastasis development

An international research team has discovered how a newly identified molecular pathway protein for both brain development It is necessary as well as a change in its path for the spread of cancer can proceed. New findings may lead to earlier diagnosis and a more targeted one treatment Causes brain diseases and cancer.

The team reports that the protein ZNF827 is essential for a healthy brain, but also as a cause of cancer metastases. The new findings, from the participation of researchers at the University Medical Center Mainz, could improve the diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases and cancers. The results of the study were published in the journal “Nature Cell Biology” free.

double-faced protein

According to message The international research group, which involved scientists from the First Medical Clinic and Polyclinic and the Institute for Physiological Chemistry of the University Medical Center Mainz, identified a protein that is important for both the formation of healthy brain cells and the development of cancer metastases. Is.

researchers found that Protein ZNF827 These two cellular processes control a mechanism that enables cell migration: the so-called epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT).

cells can migrate

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as described in communication epithelial cells, which are firmly fused into the tissue to form the so-called mesenchymal cells. They have the special quality of being able to grow.

about MechanismLittle was previously known about what controls EMT and the cell migration it enables.

With their study, researchers from Belfast (UK), La Jolla (USA), San Diego (USA), Montpellier (France), Stockholm (Sweden) and Mainz are now able to prove that zinc finger protein ZNF827 is mainly responsible for the regulation of EMT.

EMT ensures that the newly formed brain neurons Go to a specific location and build an intact neural network. If this migration process is disrupted, nerve cells do not connect properly.

As part of their research work, the scientists were able to show that if there is a deficiency in the protein ZNF827, fewer new nerve cells are made and cell migration falls rapidly.

If there is an excess of ZNF827, cells grow too quickly and can result in Damage originates in the brain. From these findings, experts have concluded that the protein ZNF827 is an essential factor for healthy brain development.

less metastases spread

EMT mechanism also plays a role in cancer major role, Tumors use mechanisms to further grow, encapsulate and set their cells in motion.

In this way, cancer cells can spread throughout the body and undergo a process known as metastasis. one in particular. In late stage During cancer, EMT causes tumors to grow aggressively and spread metastases.

while checking breast cancer cells The researchers were able to prove that the protein ZNF827 – similar to nerve cells in the brain – also conclusively determines the EMT of tumor cells: if ZNF827 is deficient, tumors grow only more slowly and have fewer metastases in the lungs. spreads out.

According to the research team, these new findings represent a significant advance in understanding the molecular processes involved in EMT. They open up new perspectives for innovation Diagnostic and therapeutic approach in brain diseases and various cancers. (advertisement)