NSW: Gene discovery could help fight against cancer
Melbourne scientists have discovered a new gene that controls so-called suicide pathwaysin the body designed to track down and kill pre-cancerous cells.
Dr TREVOR WILSON of the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development says the discoveryopens up new possibilities for treating cancer.
The gene ETS1 was discovered on chromosome 11 years ago, but Dr WILSON and his colleagueshave now shed new light on the role it plays in regulating cell death.
He says knocking out ETS1 in mouse embryonic stem cells reduces the frequency of cell death.
The finding means the gene could be malfunctioning in some people who develop cancer.
His research partner Dr DAKANG XU says drugs that enhance the gene's functioning couldarm doctors with a weapon against cancer.
The research is published in the latest edition of the European Molecular Biology OrganisationJournal.
AAP RTV jjs/smb/rp
KEYWORD: SUICIDE GENE (SYDNEY)
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