Protein Stops Suicide of Pancreatic Cancer Cells

According to a recent research study, an overproduction of the protein TG2 prevents pancreatic cancer cells from devouring themselves, allowing an out-of-control cell growth that causes the disease.

In a press release, Dr. Gabriel Lopez-Berestein, a professor in M.D. Anderson's Department of Experimental Therapeutics said: "These results are from cell studies, not mouse studies or human clinical trials, but they are encouraging."

According to CancerWise, researchers at M.D. Anderson previously have connected overproduction of transglutaminase, a protein tissue known by the abbreviation TG2, to a variety of drug-resistant cancer cells and in cancer that has metastasized.

CancerWise stated that production of TG2 is tightly regulated in healthy cells and is increased temporarily in response to certain hormones or stress factors.

To show TG2's effect on pancreatic cancer cells, researchers inhibited its production, according to an M.D. Anderson newsletter.

Researchers blocked another protein known to activate TG2 and targeted it with siRNA, a molecure that stops TG2 production, according to stats.

Both research methods caused up to 94 percent of TG2 production and autophagy of pancreatic cancer cells, according to research which reveals that the TG2 autophagy pathway is separate from a form of programmed cell death called apoptosis.

The mechanisms by which TG2 might promote drug-resistance and metastasis are unknown, the researchers note in a medical journal.

In other cancer news, Jean Rodeman and her friends are battling her lung cancer with beads.

The assorted items of green and other multi-colored beads will be used to create fanciful jewelry during an upcoming event to help fight Rodeman's cancer during a fundraiser.

"Former GM employee Rodeman's long loved her artistic endeavors," reports Cancer Compass. "It was love at first sight, she said of the pastime she first learned of while watching HGTV."

Rodeman said she's shopped for beading supplies at South LaFountain Street's Heart and Soul Beads and while vacationing in Singapore.