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Scientists at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (Sanford-Burnham) have identified how an enzyme called PKCζ suppresses prostate tumor formation.
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Scientists at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (Sanford-Burnham) have identified how an enzyme called PKCzeta suppresses prostate tumor formation. The study was published April 1 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Under normal circumstances PKCzeta controls the activation of a pro-tumor gene called c-Myc. However in prostate and other cancers PKCzeta levels are low, which then allows the gene c-Myc free to promote cell growth and the spread of cancer.
So restoring the level of the enzyme PKCzeta may be effective in suppressing prostate tumor formation. The study found that PKCzeta in combination with another gene PTEN is effective in suppressing tumors. However in prostate cancer it is common for the gene PTEN to be in a mutated form.
This now provides an opportunity to delve into gene therapy to see if there are ways to activate the enzyme PKCzeta while controlling the genes c-Myc and PTEN.