Scientists Discover Key Component in the Spread of Lung Cancer

A new, key component in the spread of lung cancer that may also block spread of lung cancer with drugs has been discovered by researchers.

A team led by scientists at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found a way to identify metastasis-prone lung cancer cells and then uncovered a mechanism that shifts primary tumor cells into a more deadly type of cell with the capacity to move elsewhere in the body.

Lung Cancer - Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor in the lung tissues. Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer with symptoms like recurrent respiratory diseases.

The researchers found that when a protein called Jagged2 binds externally to Notch, a membrane protein that sticks out through the surface of a cell, it suppresses a microRNA that thwarts metastasis inside the cell.

"Jagged2 suppresses miR-200 and drives metastasis as a consequence," said paper senior author Jonathan Kurie, professor in MD Anderson's Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology.

"It's been known for some time that Notch is involved in cancer, but no one really knew how," said Kurie.

Lung Biopsy - Indications - Procedures - Risks - FAQs - Reference
The procedure by which tissue samples are obtained from the lung is known as lung biopsy. The biopsy tissues obtained from the lungs are examined by a pathologist.

The study has been published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Source-ANI

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