Unexpected Link Between Cancer and Autism
Topic: Medical Research News
Author: University of Turku
Published: 2017/03/16 - Updated: 2021/03/27
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main Item - Related Topics
Synopsis: A protein called SHANK prevents spread of breast cancer cells to surrounding tissue and it is known that its absence or gene mutations are related to autism. Large-scale screens aiming at find potential new genes regulating cancer cell metastasis revealed to the research team an unexpected link between brain development and tumor invasion. The research team and their collaborators are currently assessing if SHANK proteins have other impacts on cancer cells - especially on their proliferation.
Introduction
Researchers from Turku Centre for Biotechnology have observed that a protein called SHANK prevents the spread of breast cancer cells to the surrounding tissue. The SHANK protein has been previously studied only in the central nervous system, and it is known that its absence or gene mutations are related to autism. The research was conducted at Turku Centre for Biotechnology.
Main Item
The novel discovery impinges upon the protein called SHANK which has been intensively studied in several processes in central nervous system and gene mutations in SHANK are linked to autism.
The same factors can regulate cell shape and adhesion in very different cell types. Our results revealed that gene mutations in SHANK, found in autistic patients, impair SHANKs ability to prevent the adherence of both neurons and breast cancer cells. This once again demonstrates the power of basic research in facilitating our understanding of several human diseases, rejoices Academy professor Johanna Ivaska.
Ivaska's research team is working at Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Academy.
Large-scale screens aiming at find potential new genes regulating cancer cell metastasis revealed to the research team an unexpected link between brain development and tumor invasion.
Amazingly, the ability of cancer cells to adhere and migrate on their environment and invade into surrounding tissue were prevented by SHANK protein - a molecule previously studied in the central nervous system and linked to autism, describes graduate student Johanna Lilja.
In cell culture experiments, the researchers found that SHANK protein limits the ability of a protein called Rap1 to activate cell adhesion receptors, integrins. This same mechanism regulated cancer cell motility as well as the morphology and branching of neurites, known to be essential for normal brain function.
To reveal the underlying mechanism the co-operation of three international research group was needed.
Dr. Igor Barsukov's laboratory from University of Liverpool solved the 3-dimensional structure of SHANK protein, which led the researchers to study the correct mechanism. Then, Ivaska's research team in collaboration with neuroscientist Dr. Hans-Juergen Kreienkamp from Institute for Human Genetics, Hamburg, studied the function of SHANK in both cancer cells and neurons.
The research team and their collaborators are currently assessing if SHANK proteins have other impacts on cancer cells - especially on their proliferation.
The findings were published in the highly appreciated Nature Cell Biology journal on the 6th of March 2017.
Original publication: SHANK proteins limit integrin activation by directly interacting with Rap1 and R-Ras. Johanna Lilja, Thomas Zacharchenko, Maria Georgiadou, Guillaume Jacquemet, Nicola De Franceschi, Emilia Peuhu, Hellyeh Hamidi, Jeroen Pouwels, Victoria Martens, Fatemeh Hassani Nia, Malte Beifuss, Tobias Boeckers, Hans-Juergen Kreienkamp, Igor L. Barsukov & Johanna Ivaska. Nature Cell Biology (2017). doi:10.1038/ncb3487; Published online 06 March 2017.
Editors Note: This article does NOT imply people with autism have an increased risk of cancer.
Attribution/Source(s):
This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its significant relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by University of Turku, and published on 2017/03/16 (Edit Update: 2021/03/27), the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, University of Turku can be contacted at utu.fi. NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.
Explore Related Topics
1 - Connecting Omics: Molecular Map of The Human Body - Molecular map of the human body and its complex physiological processes based on analysis of molecules in blood, urine and saliva samples.
2 - New Study Debunks Myth: Moderate Drinking Doesn't Extend Lifespan - In reality moderate drinking likely does not extend people's lives and carries potential health hazards including increased risks of certain cancers.
3 - Study Reveals Presence of Arsenic, Lead, and Other Toxic Metals in Tampons - The presence of toxic metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium in tampons could pose several potential health risks for women.
4 - Scientists Suggest Novel Method to Determine Onset of Infant Consciousness - Academics are proposing a new and improved way to help researchers discover when consciousness emerges in human infancy.
5 - Bilirubin Reductase Enzyme Makes Urine Yellow - Urobilin has long been linked to urine's yellow hue, but the enzyme responsible has eluded scientists for over a century.
Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer
Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): University of Turku. (2017, March 16 - Last revised: 2021, March 27). Unexpected Link Between Cancer and Autism. Disabled World. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/news/research/shank.php
Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/news/research/shank.php">Unexpected Link Between Cancer and Autism</a>: A protein called SHANK prevents spread of breast cancer cells to surrounding tissue and it is known that its absence or gene mutations are related to autism.
Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.