The discovery will help in the understanding of how cancer spreads
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Scientists at the University of East Anglia (UEA) have discovered a rogue gene that could stop the spread of cancer
The discovery comes as a breakthrough in the understanding of how cancer spreads.
The new gene - known as WWP2 - is an enzymic bonding agent found inside cancer cells. This ‘rogue gene’ has been identified as the cause for the spreading of cancer by attacking the bodies natural defence system.
It is thought that over the next decade the discovery of WWP2 will aid the development of new drugs used to stop the spreading of aggressive cancers such as brain, breast, colon and skin cancers.
Dr Andrew Chantry, of UEA’s School of Biological Sciences, admitted that the battle against cancer has not yet been won.
He said, ‘The challenge now is to identify a potent drug that will get inside cancer cells and destroy the activity of the rogue gene. This is a difficult but not impossible task, made easier by the deeper understanding of the biological processes revealed in this study.’
The research, which was funded by UK based charity the Association of International Cancer Research (AICR).
Dr Mark Matfield, Scientific co-ordinator of the charity, added, ‘This is a very exciting new discovery and a perfect example of the way that basic research into cancer can open up ways to develop new ways to treat cancer.’
By Jade Desumala
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