Scientists discover that balance between two enzymes could help treat pancreatic cancer – Xinhua

LOS ANGELES, March 20 (Xinhua) – New research has allowed clinicians to potentially use the PHLPP1 and PKC enzyme levels of a pancreatic cancer patient as a prognostic, and researchers at develop new therapeutic drugs that alter the balance of the disease. two enzymes as a means of treating the disease.

The study, published Wednesday in Molecular Cell, was led by Alexandra Newton, a professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, and Timothy Baffi, a graduate student in his laboratory.

The new study builds on the team's work in 2015 that revealed that the PKC enzyme, supposed in previous studies to promote tumor growth, actually suppressed it.

The latest study furthered the investigation by discovering how cells regulate the activity of PKC and discovered that whenever an overactive PKC is inadvertently produced, the "concealer" 39; tests "PHLPP1 marks it for destruction.

"That means the amount of PHLPP1 in your cells determines how much PKC you have," said Newton. "And it turns out that these levels of enzymes are especially important in pancreatic cancer."

The team observed 105 pancreatic cancer tumors to badyze the enzyme levels in each of them. Approximately 50% of low / high PHLPP1 PCP patients have lived more than five and a half years.

While still in its infancy, Newton hoped that this information could one day facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of the pancreas.

Pancreatic cancer is caused by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of pancreatic cells, a large gland of the digestive system. It usually does not show any symptoms at first. Sufferers tend to develop signs, such as back pain and jaundice, when it has spread to other organs.