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Protein To Reduce Spread Of Cancer Identified

Know about a protein that helps in reducing the spread of cancer here in this article.

By Staff

Cancer is believed to be one of the deadliest disease. Cancer is something that when you just hear about the word, it sends some shrill feeling in our m ind. If not taken care of on time cancer can turn fatal as well.

In a new study, researchers have found a new protein that could reduce the spread of cancer by binding the cancer cells together and allowing them to invade tissues.

The study was conducted by the researchers from University of Guelph, Ontario. During the study, the researchers have identified a protein called cadherin-22, a potential factor in cancer metastasis or the spread of cancer.

In addition to this the protein also decreased the adhesion and invasion rate of breast and brain cancer cells by up to 90 per cent.

cancer prevention

"Cadherin-22 could be a powerful prognostic marker for advanced cancer stages and patient outcomes. If you can find a treatment or a drug that can block cadherin-22, you could potentially prevent cancer cells from moving, invading and metastasizing" said lead author Jim Uniacke, a professor at the varsity.

During the course of the study, researchers found that it is precisely under conditions of low oxygen that cancer cells trigger the production of cadherin-22, putting in motion a kind of protein boost that helps bind cells together, enhancing cellular movement, invasion and likely metastasis.

Studying breast and brain cancer cells in a hypoxia incubator, the researchers discovered that cadherin-22 is involved in this process to enable the spread of cancer cells.

For both cancer types, the research team used molecular tools to reduce the amount of cadherin-22.

They placed the human cancer cells into the incubator and lowered the oxygen to a level comparable to that in a tumour. The cells failed to spread.

One very powerful and common tool in cell and molecular biology labs is, you can remove a protein from a cell and see how that cell behaves without it.

The study was recently published in the journal Oncogene.

Meanwhile, listed here are a few of the best cancer fighting foods. Take a look.

cancer prevention

1. Broccoli:
Broccoli is one of the best known cruciferous vegetables. It contains a compound called glucosinolates, which produce protective enzymes in the body. Sulforaphane is one of the enzymes that helps reduce cancer risk by flushing out cancer-causing chemicals.

cancer prevention

2. Green Tea:
Green tea contains important compounds like catechins, xanthine derivatives, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin. These compounds help prevent the development of cancerous cells. In addition to this, green tea also help in preventing free radicals from damaging cells.

cancer prevention


3. Ginger:

Known for its antioxidant properties, ginger helps in fighting the cancer cells. Drink 2-3 cups of ginger tea on a regular basis or you could also add ginger in your daily diet.

cancer prevention

4. Garlic:
Garlic contains certain compounds like arginine, oligosaccharides, flavonoids and selenium which are known to fight the risk of cancer. Add garlic to your daily food or you could also take garlic in the form of supplements.

(With Agency Inputs)

Story first published: Monday, November 20, 2017, 22:33 [IST]
Read more about: protein cancer