Cross-disciplinary teams of scientists studying genetic pathways that are mutated in many forms of cancer, but which also cause certain forms of congenital heart disease including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a thickening of the heart muscle that is the leading cause of sudden death in children and young adults , have introduced these mutations into mice and successfully treated HCM in the lab.
In two separate but related studies at University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre (BIDMC), Boston, the scientists proved that two drugs one already approved as an immunosuppressant, the other being tested as an anti- cancer agent could prevent and reverse HCM in mouse models of congenital heart disease.
The research findings are published online today ahead of the March issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation (manuscript # 44929). Both studies were co-led by UHN's Dr. Benjamin Neel, Director, Ontario Cancer Institute, which includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute. Dr. Neel is also a Professor, Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, and holds a Canada Research Chair in Cell Signaling.
"By studying two of the most commonly mutated pathways in cancer, discerning the mechanism by which they cause congenital disease, and treating two of these disorders with different drugs, we have identified potential therapeutic targets for human disease," says Dr. Neel. "This is what personalized medicine is all about: understanding in detail how different mutations cause disease, and then targeting these mutations appropriately to tailor individualized treatment."
He adds: "These findings exemplify the importance of basic biological research and collaboration across areas of specialization. In this instance, collaboration showed how understanding cancer can lead to unexpected insights into congenital heart disease, and vice versa."
The scientists
'/>"/>
| Contact: Jane Finlayson jane.finlayson@uhn.on.ca 416-946-2846 University Health Network Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. New clues to how cancer-related proteins plasmin, thrombin lose inhibition
2. Barcelona Declaration 2008: Challenges and Pathways to Earth Sustainability
3. Bipolar disorder genes, pathways identified by Indiana University neuroscientists
4. Nicotine activates more than just the brains pleasure pathways
5. Computational model examines the pathways of Alzheimers that strikes at the young
6. Computational model examines the pathways of Alzheimers that strikes at the young
7. Trans fats hinder multiple steps in blood flow regulation pathways
8. UCSF researchers identify 2 key pathways in adaptive response
9. Scientific pathways into the nanoworld
10. Mapping out pathways to better soybeans
11. AgriLife scientist: Functional amino acids regulate key metabolic pathways
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |