Scientists identify a single 'master' gene that seems to turn on cancer-causing action of other gene

NYNEWSDAY.COM ^ | Friday, January 21, 2005 | Delthia Ricks

[nicmarlo]

Drudge is the one creating the hysteria.

Ahhh, yes, Drudge. He's loves bringing attention to himself, I think.

[rwfromkansas]

oh, I get what you are saying here now. Good point.

[MaryFromMichigan]

My son was only 22 when he died.

I am so, so sorry.
Tragic.
God bless.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

And I got your point, I think it was just the semantics from the Drudge site - I think. Have a good night.

[katnip]

Then you should know there are oncologists (maybe not where you worked though) that give their heart and soul in the treatment of the terminally ill and desire to see them cured or healed, not prolonged for the sake of money.

My husband likes his Hemotologist/Oncologist so much that we'll drive the 3 hours from Pennsylvania to New York to continue with him since we moved.

A big plus is that this doctor recently went to work at Sloan-Kettering where this research was done. My husbands willing to be a guinea pig for experimental drugs to treat his Leukemia. This is Great News!

[Main Street]

This looks very hopeful. An that's what we all need is hope. I pray this one works out.

Also posted on the front page of the Detroit News

http://www.detnews.com/2005/health/0501/21/health-65940.htm

More info from another article....

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/1315.html

Pokémon gene causes cancerous cell

Posted on : 2005-01-21|

Author : Darya Zarin

News Category : Health

A new gene dubbed Pokemon (POK Erythroid Myeloid Ontogenic) has been discovered by scientists that lead normal cells to become cancerous.

Scientists believe that the new cancer-causing gene could be a molecular master switch for the disease. They said it is one of several so-called oncogenes that lead normal cells to become cancerous.

“Pokémon is a main switch in the molecular network that leads towards cancer,” said lead researcher Dr. Pier Paolo Pandolfi, of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

“If we could turn Pokémon off, it may block the oncogenic circuitry and stall the malignant process,” Dr. Pandolfi said.

Cancer develops when normal cells mutate and divide uncontrollably to form a tumour. When oncogenes do not functional well, they can lead normal cells to turn cancerous.

But in animal studies, the scientists discovered that the Pokémon protein interferes with the action of other proteins, including a tumour suppressor called ARF.

“What is extraordinary about this gene is that it is essential for the function of the other oncogenes. It is a main switch of this network of oncogenes that control (cell) transformation. None of the oncogenes so far identified play such a critical role,” Dr. Pandolfi explained.

Pandolfi and his team believes that the protein produced by the gene could be a new target for drug therapies against cancer which kills more than 6 million people each year.

[Paul C. Jesup]

Pokémon gene causes cancerous cell

I can see the lawsuits already. ;D

[expatguy]

Does anyone have a picture of Master Gene?

[Endeavor]

Yes, this is a major step forward. Some folks on this thread don't realize that we've only had the human genome for a few years. We're just now figuring out which gene works with which other genes, much less trying to figure out how to turn them on and off once we figure out their interaction. We also don't know all the ramifications of turning them on or off. However, we are getting to the nuts and bolts and with the advances in molecular technology, we are on the verge of very exciting times in science. You will start to see drugs targeted specifically towards switching genes on and off in many situations, not just cancer. Very exciting and rewarding times ahead. It will be slow, but it will mean exciting therapies for your kids and grandkids, and in some cases, for yourself.

[nicmarlo]

Pandolfi and his team believes that the protein produced by the gene could be a new target for drug therapies against cancer which kills more than 6 million people each year.

Hopeful, indeed. And, if this may turn out to not be the case.....we pray that they make an even more amazing discovery in their research. Who knows, they could be right, or, they may find out that something which attaches itself to this gene is the culprit....the more they can eliminate, the more they can focus in the right direction....it's unbelievable how it's taking so many years to find a cure for cancer....what a devil it is!