A team of international molecular scientists, led by a Monash University researcher has discovered a new, fast mechanism by which cells communicate change for example their location during spreading of a cancer in the human body to adjacent cells.
The discovery sheds new light on cell behaviour and could lead to the development on new drugs to combat diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's disease.
The team led by Monash University Associate Professor Martin Lackmann found that for one particular communicator between cells, an enzyme known as A-Disintegrin-And-Metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10), a change in the shape of its contender (communication partner) will start the communication process.
Scientists are interested in ADAM10 - and the proteins that are split by this protease because it is critical in cellular mechanisms that underlie several major diseases.
"This communication process between cells forms the basis for the way in which certain diseases progress. This discovery will change how we understand cell behaviour and change how we consider the design of therapeutic drugs in this area" Associate Professor Lackmann said.
"This new concept in understanding of how cells communicate identifies a process that is much simpler than previously thought and which will profoundly impact the direction of future biomedical research in this area," he said.
"The research team found that instead of using complex signalling pathways, this communication system is really very direct and simple. In this case it is a transient switch in the overall shape of the contending cell surface receptor itself which activates the ADAM10 protease to communicate this change and its functional consequences to a neighbouring cell.
"The discovery of this switch opens new avenues for the development of drugs that recognise this changed shape and prevent the signalling to other cells, thus slowing or even
'/>"/>
| Contact: Samantha Blair Samantha.Blair@adm.monash.edu.au 61-399-034-841 Monash University Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. A new milestone in the GMES Space Component Program successfully achieved
2. Secure Services Corp. Achieves Milestone in United States Identity Protection with the Launch of the SSC SHAPE Card Management Solution
3. A gentle touch for better control, a quantum mechanical con, and milestone PRL papers
4. Missouri Botanical Garden mounts milestone 6 millionth herbarium specimen
5. Milestone achieved toward production of malaria treatment using synthetic biology and fermentation
6. ExcellGene and Khner achieved milestone in development of novel 250 Liter mammalian cell culture bioreactors
7. Milestone in live microscopy focus of $2 million NIH grant
8. Lockheed Martin Team Completes Key Design Milestone on Federal Bureau of Investigations Next Generation Identification Program
9. Discovery may help defang viruses
10. Stomach stem cell discovery could bring cancer insights
11. Symposium marks 30th anniversary of discovery of third domain of life
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |