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STRF: «Сancer markers»
Koresspondent STRF Xenia Bolokhova visited the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry and talked to Stepan Chumakov researcher on the project "molecular biomarkers of breast cancer, prognostic and therapeutic value and test the system for its rapid diagnosis in the clinic." Here is her report.
Сancer markers
As is well known, «the enemy must know in person», especially if the enemy – a terrible disease, such as mammary cancer. Find the «culprit» medical help scientists-biologists, who are biological markers that help make the diagnosis and determine the best methods of treatment.
Do medical as well as employees of any detective agency, there are dossiers on the «suspects». Only, unlike these criminals who can be identified, for example, the fingerprint of the disease leaves a specific trace. Often the same ailment symptoms may be caused by different reasons.
For example, mammary cancer , one of the most common cancers, is four subtypes. Identification of one of the «champions of camouflage» – the so-called triple-negative subtype of breast tumor is engaged a group of researchers of the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry. Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Ovchinnikov of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IBCh RAS) under the direction of Elena Frolova. Their project «molecular biomarkers of breast cancer, prognostic and therapeutic value and test the system for its rapid diagnosis in the clinic» was supported within the framework of the Federal Target Program «Research and development on priority directions of scientific-technological complex of Russia for 2014 —2020 years».
Research group
Group of the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry is actively studying mammary cancer, and the establishment of markers of this disease – it is a natural extension of other projects. Despite the social importance of this type of cancer, its diagnosis remains blind spots. «For breast tumor known three main marker – said one member of the group researcher, PhD Stepan Chumakov. – Accordingly, various different subtypes are characterized by their combination. If all three negative marker, the so-called triple-negative subtype. That is, the disease is, but his response - "the rest of the tumor». How to diagnose and treat «all other tumors», which all together referred to as «triple negative»? Give some part of them clearer characteristic found in them something in common, and what scientists are developing new biomarkers.
Markers are simpler –biochemical, and complex –genetic. It is on the latter drew the attention of researchers. Their attention was drawn PDLIM4, one of the potential oncosupressor proteins (ie proteins that suppress tumor growth). They found that some cancer cells, triple negative subtype, gene activity PDLIM4 completely suppressed, while others - remains unchanged, and the status of PDLIM4 correlate some of the parameters of the disease, such as the growth rate of the tumor and its tendency to metastasize.
During the first phase of the project scientists have established a link between the presence of certain PDLIM4 and enzyme in tumor cells of triple negative subtype of breast cancer. Moreover, it was found that these cells are sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs designed to suppress this particular enzyme. «On the basis of this fact, in principle, can already develop some sort of scheme. That is, we will be able to determine the status of PDLIM4 patient and recommend treatment» – said Chumakov.
There have already been involved patients with a diagnosis of "breast cancer" for a more detailed study. Approximately 20 people had a certain status PDLIM4, and for three months, conducted surveillance of the disease.
"As a result of our work, we plan to establish and implement diagnostic tests to identify the status of PDLIM4, the most simple and effective, which can be used in the course of tumor biopsy material" –said Chumakov.
Another potential direction of the project concerns the cancer stem cells. Probably, PDLIM4 physicians may suggest not only subtype of breast cancer, but also to determine the presence of cancer stem cells that are actually responsible for the spread of disease in humans.
september 22, 2015
Source: http://strf.ru/mobile.aspx?CatalogId=221&d_no=106155
