Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco's Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center have uncovered the molecular and genetic mechanisms behind the devastating brain cancer, glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is an extremely aggressive and often fatal form of brain cancer that is known to be resilient to treatment.
The researcher's study, published in the journal Nature Communications, reveals that two genes work together to enhance tumor growth in glioblastoma. The PDGFRα and SOX4 genes work in tandem to drive the growth of glioblastoma, making it one of the deadliest forms of cancer.
The study showed that SOX4, a transcription factor that regulates gene expression, is able to stimulate the expression of PDGFRα, a receptor that promotes cell growth and proliferation. The researchers found that these two genes work together to create a positive feedback loop that enhances the aggressive growth of cancer cells in glioblastoma.
The team used a mouse model of glioblastoma to demonstrate the impact of these two genes on tumor growth. When they inhibited the expression of SOX4, tumor growth was slowed down. Moreover, the researchers found that combining the inhibition of SOX4 with existing therapies would provide better outcomes.
The finding holds significant potential for developing new treatments for glioblastoma. Current treatment options for the disease are limited, with only surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy available. In many cases, these treatments are not enough, which is why glioblastoma has a low survival rate.
The collaborating genes PDGFRα and SOX4 represent a promising target for the development of new treatments that can better combat glioblastoma's growth. "Our study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms behind glioblastoma, and we believe this could lead to the development of more targeted therapies in the future," says William Weiss, MD, PhD, senior author of the study.
In conclusion, the collaborative research by the University of California, San Francisco, and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center has uncovered a crucial finding in the battle against glioblastoma. The discovery of the two collaborating genes PDGFRα and SOX4 has opened an avenue for the development of targeted therapies to combat the aggressive brain cancer. Thus, the study paves the way for putting an end to the morbidity and mortality associated with glioblastoma.
Photo by MART PRODUCTION
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