Results from a new study identify a biomarker that may be useful for predicting the outcome of treatment for neuroblastoma, the most common cancer in young children.
Results from a new study identify a biomarker that may be useful for predicting the outcome of treatment for neuroblastoma, the most common cancer in young children. The research, published by Cell Press in the April 7th issue of the journal Cancer Cell, also provides new information about the molecular signals that are involved in the progression of this often devastating pediatric cancer.
Retinoic acid (RA) is a metabolite of Vitamin A that has important influences over the processes of growth and differentiation. RA mediates gene expression by interacting with retinoic acid receptors (RARs) that, in the presence of RA, switch from repressing target genes to activating them. Because many targets of RA induce differentiation or cell death, RA is used as a therapeutic agent in many cancers, including neuroblastoma.
New Approach To Deal With Aggressive Childhood Cancer!
Scientist from University of Wurzburg have provided a new insight to develop new treatments for aggressive childhood cancer.
Scientist from University of Wurzburg have provided a new insight to develop new treatments for aggressive childhood cancer.
The researchers identified ZNF423 as a critical cofactor of RA-induced differentiation. Reduced expression of ZNF423 was led to a growth advantage and resistance to RA differentiation in neuroblastoma cells while increased expression of ZNF423 led to growth inhibition and enhanced differentiation. The researchers went on to show that ZNF423 interacts with the RAR?/RXR? nuclear receptor that is necessary for activation in response to retinoids.
Importantly, low expression levels of ZNF423 were associated with poor disease outcome in neuroblastoma patients, suggesting that the gene might be useful as a prognostic biomarker. "Expression levels of ZNF423 could significantly affect responses to both endogenous and pharmacological concentrations of RA in cancer patients, which may in turn influence the outcome of neuroblastoma," offers Dr. Bernards. "Therefore, ZNF423 may be a useful biomarker for predicting responses to RA-based therapies, which are increasingly being used to treat neuroblastoma."
Novel Approach can Strengthen Immune System Against Childhood Cancer
A team of researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital has found that the ability of the immune system cells called T-lymphocytes to fight childhood cancer.
A team of researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital has found that the ability of the immune system cells called T-lymphocytes to fight childhood cancer.
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Gene That Causes Childhood Nerve Cancer Identified
Researchers have identified the hereditary gene mutations behind a deadly form of childhood cancer, opening the way to genetic tests in high-risk families, according to study released Sunday.
Researchers have identified the hereditary gene mutations behind a deadly form of childhood cancer, opening the way to genetic tests in high-risk families, according to study released Sunday.
Treatment of Neuroblastoma in Near Future?
Researchers in Australia have identified a potential new target for treatment of neuroblastoma, the most common solid tumour among young children.
Researchers in Australia have identified a potential new target for treatment of neuroblastoma, the most common solid tumour among young children.
