The research that identified the gene was done by a team from the Weizmann Institute headed by Dr. Avery Ben-Zev. The discovery was reported last weekend by the scientific journal dealing with gene research,
A very important discovery by Israeli scientists engaged in cancer research: a gene that causes an overproduction of a protein that encourages the appearance of skin cancer (melanoma) and colon cancer. It may also be associated with other cancers.
The research that identified the gene was done by a team from the Weizmann Institute headed by Dr. Avery Ben-Zev. The discovery was reported late last week by the scientific journal dealing with gene research, "Genes and Development".
Dr. Ben-Zev, to Ma'ariv: Until now, it was known that the NrCAM gene was only found in the brain, in the human embryonic stage. So it is involved in creating the connections that form between the nerves. After birth, it gradually disappears. And now it becomes clear, The surprise, that in skin and colon cancer patients, this gene appears a second time, "rampant" and creates excess protein that turns healthy tissue cells, to malignant
The discovery will make it possible to use a protein (catenin) - the product of the gene - as a marker. That is: if it is detected in an early test, it will be a warning for the future development of cancer. Yes, it will be possible to develop a drug whose role is to act in a targeted manner against the protein - and stop the onset of cancer.
Dr. Ben-Zev noted that, to the surprise of the researchers, it turned out that 100% of the colon cancer patients, from whom tissue samples were taken, had the aforementioned gene. In skin cancer patients, it was clarified that the earlier the test is performed in order to locate and identify the protein produced by the gene, the higher the level of it.
