Cancer gene controls nerve growth - an unexpected research bonus!

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Cancer gene controls nerve growth - The discovery may lead to new

therapies

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3877829.stm

Scientists have discovered that a key cancer gene also plays a role in

repairing damaged nerve cells. The Cancer Research UK team hope their

finding could lead to new treatments for spinal injuries.

They also hope that their work will provide vital clues about the

development of cancer.

The gene regulates a protein called c-Jun, found at high levels in many

different forms of cancer, including skin, liver and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The neurological findings are an unexpected bonus.

Scientists have been studying c-Jun to try and understand its function

both in healthy tissue and in tumours.

Lead researcher Dr Axel Behrens, of the Cancer Research UK Mammalian

Genetics Laboratory, said: " We are studying this gene because the c-Jun

protein is present in several forms of cancer at far higher levels than

in healthy tissue.

" This implies an important role for c-Jun in the development of cancer. "

He said it was important, if the team was to gain a greater

understanding of the role of c-Jun in cancer, that they also studied its

effect in non-cancerous tissue.

It was already known that the protein was produced at high levels when

nerve cells are damaged.

When these cells are damaged - for instance in an accident - a chain of

chemical reactions - known as the axonal response - is set in train, and

culminates in the re-growth and recovery of the nerve.

The scientists examined the axonal response in mice that did not have

c-Jun in their central nervous systems.

They found that, in comparison with normal mice, their nerves were far

less likely to recover following injury - suggesting that c-Jun is a

major regulator of the axonal response.

The scientists say their results could have far-reaching consequences

for understanding nerve regeneration.

Dr Behrens said: " This could be of real relevance to research into spine

and nerve injuries, where the nerves cannot grow back.

" Now we know more about the role of c-Jun in repairing the central

nervous system, scientists can look for ways to use this knowledge to

stimulate the reconnection of injured nerves to the muscles they are

supposed to control.

Dr Lesley , Cancer Research UK's Director of Science Information,

said: " Science can be full of surprises - you never quite know what

you'll discover.

" We know that studying this particular gene will eventually further our

understanding of its role in cancer, which will help us to develop new

therapeutic and preventative strategies.

" The neurological findings are an unexpected bonus. "

Cavanagh, of the charity Spinal Research, said any work that could

potentially yield a new therapy for people with nerve damage would be

good news.

He said: " Although scientists may work in different fields, it just

shows how closely linked topics can be at the end of the day. "

Professor Fawcett, chairman of the Cambridge University Centre for

Brain Repair, said other researchers had attempted to use c-Jun to

repair damage to brain cells without success.

" This might be significant, but experiments have been done in this area,

and they have not been successful, " he told BBC News Online.