Genetic pathway control leading to effective treatment of certain cancers

A new study by Yale University was done in mice on RAS family of cell signalling oncoproteins. These have the ability to turn normal cells into cancerous ones, when they themselves get suppressed. The team stopped the RNA transcription process which controlled cell growth by turning it on and off. The results revealed a continuously functioning highly ordered genetic pathway. This was also dependent on other co factors. A specific DNA binding protein called ZFP354B helped in the silencing of the pathway. This process was further slowed down by modified gene expression. The research might help in developing positive treatments for RAS positive cancers. Narendra Wajapeyee from the Yale School says “We have identified a RAS-regulated pathway that initiates and maintains the epigenetic silencing of tumour suppressor genes, and we are hopeful that many of the components of these pathways can be targeted for providing personalized therapy for RAS-mutant cancers."