A New Protein Discovery Could Help In The Treatment And Early Detection Of Lung Cancer
Researchers investigated the mechanisms of lung cancer's earliest stages. A new protein discovery could help in the treatment and early detection of lung cancer. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that the protein TLR2 regulates several of the body's defensive processes in response to carcinogenic cellular changes. The study's results are published in the journal Cell Reports under the title "Toll-like receptor 2 orchestrates a tumor suppressor response in non-small cell lung cancer."
Author:Hajra ShannonReviewer:Paula M. GrahamNov 10, 2022193 Shares64.2K Views
Researchers investigated the mechanisms of lung cancer's earliest stages. A new protein discovery could help in the treatment and early detection of lung cancer. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that the protein TLR2 regulates several of the body's defensive processes in response to carcinogenic cellular changes.
The study's results are published in the journal Cell Reports under the title "Toll-like receptor 2 orchestrates a tumor suppressor response in non-small cell lung cancer."
Management Of Several Of The Body's Protective Systems
When malignant alterations occur in cells, the study team found that TLR2 helps regulate some of the body's defensive processes.
“„Targeting early-stage lung cancer is vital to improve survival. However, the mechanisms and components of the early tumor suppressor response in lung cancer are not well understood. In this report, we study the role of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), a regulator of oncogene-induced senescence, which is a key tumor suppressor response in premalignancy. Using human lung cancer samples and genetically engineered mouse models, we show that TLR2 is active early in lung tumorigenesis, where it correlates with improved survival and clinical regression.- Abstract Of The Said Study
Senescence, a process in which cells cease proliferation and emit a variety of chemicals and other proteins that function as alerts and barriers against cancer, is linked to TLR2. The fact that senescent cells are present in early lung tumors but are no longer seen in advanced tumors is suggestive that senescence has the potential to halt cancer's growth.
Once the scientists had established that TLR2 was important, they turned to information gleaned from patient tumor samples. They found that early-stage lung cancer patients whose TLR2 protein levels were greater than average had better prognoses than those whose levels were lower.
Next, the group used a drug that has been found to activate TLR2 in a rat model of lung cancer. The medicine was shown to inhibit the progression of lung cancers by the research team.
“„I think these results are really exciting. Very little is known about the biology of early lung cancer and by understanding this process more we have identified a possible new treatment for this devastating disease. This project highlights the value of basic science research and how this can be translated into new treatments for patients.- Dr. Fraser Millar, University of Edinburgh
Lung Cancer: Early Diagnosis, Treatment
Final Words
Experts have called the findings "very exciting," and they think they will pave the way for a screening program that would allow for early detection. Research into the use of senescence and the associated substances that are released as a screening tool to identify lung cancer early is expected to be sparked by these findings.
The group did note the necessity for follow-up studies, such as clinical trials, to verify the drug's efficacy in people.
Hajra Shannon
Author
Paula M. Graham
Reviewer
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