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MrTingTing · 09-14-2009, 04:02 PM

Sauce

Quote:

A 'masterswitch' in the body's battle against cancer has been identified by British scientists, raising hope of new treatments.

The key gene triggers the production of blood cells capable of fighting - and killing - tumour cells.

The cells form part of the body's natural armoury against disease and we all have some.

But making more could bolster our defence, saving some of the 155,000 lives lost each year to cancer in the UK.

The findings could also shed light on the immune system's role in other conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Infusions of natural killer cells donated from volunteers are already given to some cancer patients. However, because they come from another person, they are not a complete match and so do not work as well.

The discovery of the 'master-switch' - a gene called E4bp4 that causes 'blank' stem cells to turn into natural killer cells - paves the way for a drug to boost the patient's own stock of the cells.

Researcher Hugh Brady, of Imperial College London, said: 'The natural killer cell was like the Cinderella of the white blood cells, we didn't know very much about them.

'We knew a little bit about how they work but we didn't know where they came from.

'We stumbled on this when researching childhood leukaemia. We thought the gene was involved in that. It turns it probably isn't but it has a very important role in the immune system.

'With a bit of serendipity we have found the key to the pathway that gives rise to natural killer cells.'

To investigate the role of the gene, Dr Brady genetically engineered mice who lacked it. The mice made other types of blood cell as normal but did not make any natural killer cells.

This proves the gene to be pivotal in the production of natural killer cells, which fight viruses and bacteria as well as cancers, the journal Nature Immunology reports.

The researchers are now hunting for a drug that could increase cancer patients' production of these natural killer cells, and, it is hoped, their odds of beating the disease.

A drug that boosts natural killer cell numbers is likely to be especially powerful against breast, bowel, lung and blood cancers.

However, it would have to through numerous lengthy health and safety trials before reaching the market.

The benefits of the breakthrough do not end there. Rogue natural killer cells have been implicated in diseases in which the immune system attacks the body, including diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Further study of the gene's role could shed new light on these conditions.

Abnormally high levels of natural killer cells have also been implicated in recurrent miscarriages.

Dr Brady said: 'Since shortly after they were discovered in the 1970s, some scientists have suspected that the vital disease-fighting natural killer cells could themselves be behind a number of serious medical conditions when they malfunction.

'Now finally, we will be able to find out if the progression of these diseases is impeded or aided by the removal of natural killer cells from the equation.

'This will solve the often-debated question of whether NK cells are always the "good guys", or if in certain circumstances they cause more harm than good.'

LtPurcy · 09-14-2009, 04:38 PM

And let this pave the way for genom soldiers and nanomachines

gratscorpio · 09-14-2009, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LtPurcy

And let this pave the way for genom soldiers and nanomachines

i was thinking more along the lines of paving the way for a horrible illness that makes you body produce cells that eats itself yes? no? maybe? 2012 end of days? was barney a pedophile? does ronald mcdonald actually like hamburgers? have you ever seen him eating one? whats the point of methane gas?

food for thought questions?

scorpio?

Deimos · 09-14-2009, 05:35 PM

the grey goo is going to devour us all.

Alivada · 09-14-2009, 05:35 PM

It wont work, it's made in England for christs sake.

Xenonight2 · 09-14-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LtPurcy

And let this pave the way for genom soldiers and nanomachines

Bro, you've been playing too much Metal Gear Solid.

Can't you just appreciate that there is a new potential treatment for cancer?

Groteske · 09-14-2009, 06:17 PM

Wow a possible cure for cancer.

Maybe next they can find a possible cure for possibilities.

Xenonight2 · 09-14-2009, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groteske

Wow a possible cure for cancer.

Maybe next they can find a possible cure for possibilities.

Cure =/= treatment

The word cure wasn't mentioned a single time in the article.

Groteske · 09-14-2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xenonight2

Cure =/= treatment

The word cure wasn't mentioned a single time in the article.

Well any treatment can potentially be a cure for someone.

Thats why I said it's a possible cure.....

Orpheus · 09-14-2009, 06:25 PM

Working with genes and making treatments based on their manipulation is tricky. A treatment designed for Caucasians won't have the same effect on Asians, for example. Not to say it wouldn't work, but it would be less/more effective.
Genomics as a cure for anything is still in its baby steps. It's something to get excited about, but it's not "the key".

09-14-2009, 05:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
Alivada OnRPG Elite Member! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Somewhere over the rainbow Posts: 5,092 Reputation: 162	It wont work, it's made in England for christs sake. __________________

09-14-2009, 06:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
Groteske OnRPG Elite Member! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Holocaust Prison Posts: 6,551 Reputation: 196	Wow a possible cure for cancer. Maybe next they can find a possible cure for possibilities. __________________ You put stuff in your mouth, right?

09-14-2009, 06:25 PM	#10 (permalink)
Orpheus Witches are trolls. Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Mexico Posts: 7,046 Reputation: 235	Working with genes and making treatments based on their manipulation is tricky. A treatment designed for Caucasians won't have the same effect on Asians, for example. Not to say it wouldn't work, but it would be less/more effective. Genomics as a cure for anything is still in its baby steps. It's something to get excited about, but it's not "the key". __________________

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09-14-2009, 04:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
LtPurcy Heads or Tails Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 333 Reputation: 13	And let this pave the way for genom soldiers and nanomachines