Role of melanoma-promoting protein revealed

Role of melanoma-promoting protein revealed
Credit: stock.adobe.com

In a new study, Yale researchers describe the role of a protein that promotes growth of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

The gene, MELK, encodes a kinase—an enzyme that modifies other proteins—and is over-expressed in melanoma patient samples compared to normal skin. The research team, led by associate professor of pathology Narendra Wajapayee, analyzed human melanoma cells to determine how MELK stimulates cancer growth, and whether they could block its activity to prevent melanoma growth and enhance the efficacy of existing therapies that target the BRAF cancer gene.

The researchers found that MELK is regulated by key melanoma-promoting cancer genes, including BRAF. Additionally, they revealed that MELK regulates the modification of several cellular proteins that were previously described as either BRAF or MEK targets. Additional experiments using drugs or through genetic techniques revealed that MELK targeting might be a promising therapeutic option for treating .

The study is published in Cell Reports.

More information: Radoslav Janostiak et al. MELK Promotes Melanoma Growth by Stimulating the NF-κB Pathway, Cell Reports (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.11.033

Journal information: Cell Reports
Provided by Yale University
Citation: Role of melanoma-promoting protein revealed (2017, December 6) retrieved 29 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-12-role-melanoma-promoting-protein-revealed.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Scientists identify novel therapeutic targets for metastatic melanoma

0 shares

Feedback to editors