British scientists fine faulty gene for half of prostate cancers !

 

Just read a story on the web that the NRG1 gene found on chromosone 8 (just in case you're looking for it) when faulty is linked to more than half of all breast cancers and half of prostate cancers, as well as other cancers.  This, accorning to the story out of London, is claimed by the scientists to be "a major breakthrough in fighting the killer disease." 

This is all out of Cambridge University's pathology department.  The new story says, "I believe NRG1 could be the most important tumour suppresser gene discovery in the last 20 years as it gives us vital information about a new mechanism that causes breast cancer," said Doctor Paul Edwards.

The study was apparently published today in the journal Oncogene. 

I'm not sure what the rule is about posting links to news stories such as this, but if you Google NRG1 it comes up.

Don't suppose it's going to do any of us any good, but it may be a big thing to our son's and daughters.

Sheldon AKA  Sleepless

Post here

ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/091006/health/health_cancer_women_britain_genetics

Experts find 'faulty' gene linked to cancers

Tue Oct 6, 6:50 AM

LONDON (AFP) - British scientists have identified a faulty gene linked to over half of all breast cancer cases, in what they claim is a major breakthrough in fighting the killer disease.
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The gene is also linked to half of bowel and prostate cancers and one in four ovarian and bladder cancers, said the experts from Cambridge University's pathology department.

The NRG1 gene is found on chromosome 8, one of the packages of DNA inside cells. Cancerous cells are missing the section of chromosome 8 which carries the NRG1 gene, experts have discovered.

"I believe NRG1 could be the most important tumour suppresser gene discovery in the last 20 years as it gives us vital information about a new mechanism that causes breast cancer," said Doctor Paul Edwards.

"We found the gene on chromosome 8 partly by good luck and partly by good judgment. In every case that we looked at where a big chunk of chromosome 8 had been lost, at least part of the gene was lost.

"The gene was effectively 'turned off' in a lot of breast cancers," he added.

The gene is present in everyone's DNA, but becomes damaged in some people, allowing cancer to develop. Experts do not yet know exactly why the gene is damaged in some people and not in others.

"We have got strong evidence that the gene is implicated in breast cancer but we have no reason to think it's not the same for other cancers, including prostate and colon cancer," said Edwards.

"Finding out what genes have been turned off in these cancers is an enormous help in understanding what has gone wrong with their biology."

The study was published in the journal Oncogene and funded by Cancer Research UK and Breast Cancer Campaign -- whose head of research Arlene Wilkie also trumpeted the significance of the discovery.

"Knowing the identity of this gene will lead to far more detailed studies of how it works and how it is involved in breast cancer development," she said.

"This research is a major step forward in understanding the genetics of cancer and could open up a host of new strategies to improve diagnosis and treatment.

More than 45,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Britain, of whom some 12,000 people die, according to Cancer Research figures.

Post Edited (qjenxu) : 10/7/2009 7:32:05 AM (GMT-6)

Oh piffle the next generation, David. I want it NOW for you and me, (big grin)

On an economic note, as I read your post David, I got to thinking, not for the first time, that people moan and groan about national debt load and the burden we're leaving to the next generation to which I say, triple piffle!

My children are inheriting the best world yet. Sure there are issues, pollution comes to mind, BUT in meidcal science alone, bought and paid for, the asset side of the balance sheet is huge. Highways, schools, dams, universities, and the library of classic Turner movies on television, all in place and mostly paid for. And now a key cancer gene. It's not so bad.

Sheldon AKA Sleepless