Counter to "Master" Cancer Gene Found

Mong-Hong Lee has found that the CSN6 subunit is related to Myc.  The CSN6 is a protein that is similar to protein complexes in bean sprouts, which allow the bean sprouts to grow in the dark. In humans it makes Myc, which is linked to tumor growth, more active.  Myc is what is known as proto-oncogene (or master cancer gene) which promotes tumor growth, as well as spurs the growth in various cancers. What happens is the CSN6 is an oncogene (a gene that can transform a cell into a tumor cell) that is overexpressed, speeding up tumor growth in many types of cancer.   

This discovery will allow for the development of new treatments and ways to kill tumors.  The reason is mostly due to Myc has always been challenging to deal with due to its unique protein structure.  Having another protein connected to Myc will allow us to find a new ways to combat it.  Lee’s team has found that inhibiting CSN6 quickly destabilizes Myc, which is a vast improvement form years of studying to no avail.

The fact we are constantly advancing and improving our treatment of cancer makes me feel hopeful.  I have actually lost my father to cancer and have always donated and raised awareness.  It fills me with joy to see progress and know we are getting closer and closer to beating cancer.  The fact we are looking and finding genes, means not only can we beat cancer, but other diseases as well.

Article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/285795.php 

Related Article: http://www.celldiv.com/content/8/1/14

Bean Sprouts Help to Understand Human Cancer

Recent studies reveal that there are similarities between bean sprouts and human cancer. In bean sprouts there are specific amino acids, grouped together and labeled as a protein complex, which allow the bean sprouts to grow longer in darkness rather than light. In humans there is a similar process which is now understood to cause tumor development. The protein complex CSN and its subunit CSN6 are believed to impact another gene, Myc, which causes tumor growth. Mong-Hung-Lee, Ph.D, at the University of Texas had demonstrated that CSN6 does influence Myc, with the hopes for the research to help with ways to treat and prevent cancer. Myc is a proto-oncogene that spurs tumor growth in many cancers including the types commomly found in breasts, lungs, and skin. Targeting myc has always been difficult due to its unique protein structure but with the new strategy with CSN there are high hopes for what can be learned.

This article was interesting to me because I personally never would have though bean sprouts could be used to help with human conditions, especially one as complex as cancer. Also, I have also had an interest with oncology so naturally when looking at new findings in genetics this article caught my eye. I especially hope that this research can translate to treatment for those who are withstanding the negative effects of cancer and help prevent others from having to experience them.
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