At the University of Adelaide, researchers have discovered a new pathway that regulates the way prostate cancer spreads around the body. This is important because, prostate cancer, like many other cancers, is most dangerous when the cancer has spread (metastasized).
The research team showed that a tiny RNAAlso: ribonucleic acid. RNA is a polymer comprised of the nucleotides A, C, G and U. RNA is the working form of our genetic information. RNA is produced via the process of transcription. Some RNA is used to help build ribosomes (rRNA) and some (mRNA) are used to guide the formation of proteins. Other forms of RNA are used to perform specialized functions in the nucleus. molecule, called miR-194, promotes the spread of cancer cells by inhibiting a proteinOne of the four basic types of biomolecule. Proteins are polymers made up of strings of amino acids. Proteins serve many functions in organisms including transport of molecules, structure, cell adhesion and as signaling molecules such as hormones. Many transcription factors, including p53 and Rb are proteins. called SOC2.
"Importantly, measuring miR-194 in a patient's blood at the time of diagnosis could become a test for the likelihood of metastasis. Patients with high levels of miR-194 in their blood could receive more aggressive treatment to reduce the chance of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body,” says project leader Dr. Luke Selth, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Adelaide.
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