Scientists at York University in Canada have discovered a unique set of genes that play an important role in the gene expression and differentiation of muscle cells. This may lead to new therapeutic targets to prevent the spread of muscle cancer. Researchers analyzed the genetic network of muscle cells and found that the proteins Smad7 and β-catenin work together in the body to regulate the differentiation, growth and repair of muscle cells. When these regulatory proteins work in harmony, they regulate the pathways of normal gene expression, resulting in normal skeletal muscle cells. This study, published in "Cell Death and Disease", shows that the dysfunction of Smad7 and β-catenin complex may lead to impaired muscle cell differentiation. This is a sign of some soft tissue tumors, such as lateral printed fibroids (RMS). This rare cancer usually affects children and starts in soft tissues, mainly skeletal muscle tissue, and sometimes in hollow organs such as the bladder and uterus. John said: "What happens to these rhomboid fibroids is that they have characteristics similar to muscle cells, the difference is that normal muscle cells no longer divide." McDermott said. According to McDermott, these cells look like muscle cells in function and phenotype, but because they don't stop dividing, they can form tumors in different parts of the body. "We believe that the defects in the differentiation process of these cells are partly due to the degradation of the β-catenin complex in these cells, and this is due to the abnormal signaling pathways that control it. "If we can stabilize these cells, With β-catenin and Smad7 complex, we can encourage them to differentiate and stop their growth, which means they can prevent them from forming tumors. "
This study will be conducted at York City Muscle Hospital. Conducted by the Health Research Center, this is the first such study in Canada. The center focuses on the importance of skeletal muscle to the overall health and well-being of Canadians. This new molecular genetic discovery may lead to cancer treatment strategies targeting these specific molecules. The study also identified new molecular targets for the treatment of muscle atrophy and cancer.
McDermott said: "Unless we know how things work properly, it is difficult to find a specific target. Therefore, it is important to determine the normal function of a molecule before evaluating its abnormal function in cancer cells. Development of new drugs Therapies to treat this disease can target specific molecules and even use existing drugs."
The research team is led by PhD student Soma Tripathi. Its members include a research assistant, Dr. Tetsuaki Miyake, whose work focuses on understanding the role of transcription factors in tissue-specific gene expression and differentiation. They did this by identifying DNA-binding proteins involved in transcriptional regulation during muscle development. The study also discovered a new muscle regeneration regulator. This also opens the door for the pharmaceutical industry to develop new therapies to solve the problem of muscle loss in the normal but vulnerable elderly population.
Tripathi said: "Muscle regeneration is a very complex process controlled by a variety of transcription factors. Transcription factors are essentially proteins that bind to specific genes in the genome and help turn them on and off. These two transcription factors (Smad7 and β- catenin) plays an important role in gene expression patterns required for the development and maintenance of specific muscles.