Science Daily presents an interesting insight to a gene Pten. When there is an extra copy of this gene present in mice the mice display a loss of weight and no signs of cancer. Brown fats that are hyperactive in mice also contribute to the weight loss because these fats burn energy instead of storing it. It has been found that tumor suppressors have evolved through time into agents that aid in the protection of abnormalities in the human body. When there is an extra copy of the the specific tumor suppressor Pten, that is commonly lost in human cancers, mice exhibit no signs of cancer. This led, among many other studies, researchers to the conclusion that the Pten gene plays a huge role in the development of cancer.
The mice with an extra copy of the Pten gene also lived longer lives. In addition to a longer and leaner life, the mice displayed organs that were much healthier. For example, a mouse with an extra copy of the Pten gene had less fat in its liver and was less prone to insulin resistance. Along with these findings researchers also found a small compound inhibitor that mimics the effects of Pten. This inhibitor might possibly do for humans what the Pten did for the mice.
Information about the Pten gene and its effects gives great hope to the advancement for prevention of cancers. Although much work needs to be done in this area it is a great start and hopefully improvements progress rapidly and successfully. Finding a cure and/or a prevention for cancer is something that has been much anticipated and will be celebrated.
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