About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Role of Zinc in Breast Cancer Treatment

by Sheela Philomena on February 7, 2012 at 10:44 AM
 Role of Zinc in Breast Cancer Treatment

Zinc control could be the key to breast cancer treatment, says study.

New research by Cardiff University and King's College London has identified the switch which releases zinc into cells, with important implications for a number of diseases.

Advertisement

Zinc has long been known to play a vital part in human health. Too much zinc, or too little, can cause cell death. A growing body of evidence links zinc to disease states including neurodegeneration, inflammation, diabetes and cancer.

Zinc levels in cells are controlled by protein molecules called zinc transporters. These move zinc in and out of the cell to ensure correct levels are maintained. Until now, scientists have not understood how the transporters release the zinc. The Cardiff and King's research team have identified a switch, known as CK2, a protein which opens one transporter, called ZIP7, and allows the zinc to flow.
Advertisement

Earlier research by the team has already linked zinc delivery to types of breast cancer. Higher levels of intracellular zinc and the ZIP7 transporter were found in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancers. CK2 was also known to be more common in cancers which encourage cell growth. The discovery that CK2 opens ZIP7 suggests that drugs which block this release of zinc could also block cancer development. Early results from clinical trials of CK2 inhibitors suggest they are performing well.

Dr Kathryn Taylor, of Cardiff University's School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, said: "We know that zinc, in the right quantities, is vital for development, our immune systems and many other aspects of human health. But when something goes wrong with the body's zinc delivery system, it looks as though disease can result. In particular, our research has shown a link to highly aggressive forms of breast cancer. Our better understanding of how exactly zinc is delivered suggests if we can block malfunctioning transporter channels, we can potentially halt the growth of these forms of cancer. We believe this makes zinc, and zinc delivery, a high priority for future cancer research."

Professor Christer Hogstrand from the Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences Divisionat King's College London, said: "Our discovery provides a mechanistic explanation for how the cell uses zinc to regulate different functions. The evidence that zinc is released on command in the cell and then regulates cellular processes seems to set it apart from other transition metals, such as copper and iron, in the way that it is used by the body. These findings should open the door for new research into the roles of zinc in health and disease."

The research, funded by a Wellcome Trust University Research Award to Dr Taylor, is published in the leading journal Science Signaling.

Source: Eurekalert
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Cancer News

Personalized Vaccine and T Cell Therapy for Ovarian Cancer Patients
The combination of the personalized cancer vaccine with ACT led to ovarian cancer control in few patients within a span of three months, stated study results.
Kinase-Targeted Therapy Revolutionizes Colorectal Cancer Care
Uncovering key kinases in tumor growth and invasion is crucial for improving targeted therapies in advanced-stage colorectal cancer.
Novel Photo-Oxidation Therapy Holds Promise for Anticancer Treatment
The study findings validate metal-enhanced photo-oxidation for future metal-based anticancer drugs.
Mutations in 11 Genes Linked to Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Mutations in 11 genes are linked to aggressive forms of prostate cancer, which may present novel therapeutic and therapy options.
Link Between Poor Oral Health and Head & Neck Cancer Survival Uncovered
Improved oral health, as indicated by the count of natural teeth and dental appointments preceding the diagnosis, correlated with enhanced head and neck cancer survival rates.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Role of Zinc in Breast Cancer Treatment Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests