Key Genetic Link in Common Pediatric Brain Tumor Identified in American Brain Tumor (ABTA) Funded Study
Study revealed a link between a cell signaling pathway and increased levels of the c-Myc protein found in large-cell medulloblastoma.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) February 9, 2008 -- An American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA)-funded study revealed a link between a cell signaling pathway and increased levels of the c-Myc protein found in large-cell medulloblastoma, the most aggressive form of a common pediatric brain tumor.
Despite aggressive therapy, often consisting of surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy, a large number of medulloblastoma patients die or suffer long-term brain damage from radiation therapy.
"Identifying molecular targets is critical to developing new treatments for medulloblastoma and other brain tumors," said Naomi Berkowitz, ABTA executive director.
The lead author of the study, Yunqing Li, PhD, is a researcher at the University of Virginia and the recipient of a 2005-2007 ABTA Research Fellowship. "Functional and molecular interactions between the HGF/c-Met pathway and c-Myc in large-cell medulloblastoma," published in the online December 2007 issue of Laboratory Investigation (the official journal of the U.S. and Canadian Academy of Pathology), identified high levels of Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met and c-Myc in large-cell medulloblastoma.
Hepatocyte growth factor stimulates cell growth by activating its receptor c-Met tyrosine kinase. The oncoprotein, c-Myc, is a known contributor to the malignancy of large-cell medulloblastoma tumors. The study revealed for the first time that HGF/c-Met and c-Myc work together to promote large cell medulloblastoma growth. In addition, researchers found that HGF increases c-Myc levels and that c-Myc mediates the malignant effect of HGF medulloblastoma cells.
With the new information, researchers believe that targeting HGF/c-Met and c-Myc may provide promising treatment options for medulloblastoma.
Founded in 1973, the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) strives to eliminate brain tumors through research while meeting the needs of brain tumor patients and their families. The ABTA provides publications, resource information, and monthly e-communications to help patients and families better understand a brain tumor diagnosis, assist in making informed treatment choices, and prepare for survivorship. More information is available at www.abta.org. To contact ABTA, please call 800-886-2282, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.
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