About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Sleep, Hunger Controlling Hormone Associated With Cancer Growth

by VR Sreeraman on November 16, 2007 at 3:48 PM
Sleep, Hunger Controlling Hormone Associated With Cancer Growth

A research carried out by Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center has shown that a hormone that controls sleep and hunger also activates a protein, HIF-1 that has been known to induce tumour growth. Dr. Thomas Kodadek, chief of translational research at UT Southwestern and senior author of the study said the new research is among the first to show how HIF-1 operates in healthy tissues rather than in tumours.

"HIF-1 is very big in the cancer community. So we were intrigued to find this important and very basic mechanism that is unrelated to cancer," Dr. Kodadek said. Orexin was already known for its role in sleep and hunger.

Advertisement

In the new study, the research team used a massive gene-screening technique to identify genes that orexin either turned on or inhibited. It was discovered that the activity of a component of HIF called HIF1-alpha was among the most highly activated of any gene in the study. And when orexin stimulated HIF1-alpha, it in turn increased the expression of a variety of genes dedicated to burning sugar to provide energy for the body.

Studies in brain slices of mice with and without orexin receptors support the results. Researchers said that the findings help explain orexin's link to the metabolic system. The body is known to step up its production of orexin when blood sugar gets low. The researchers hypothesized that when a body has low blood sugar and gets hungry, the increase in orexin activates HIF-1 production, revving up metabolism so the body gets the most energy out of the sugar on hand.
Advertisement

Dr. Kodadek said that this action of HIF-1 when stimulated by orexin is different than how it acts in tumours. In tumours, HIF-1 changes cells' metabolism so they can burn sugar for energy without oxygen. This method is inefficient, but allows cells to stay alive.

Orexin, on contrary, forces HIF-1 to switch cells to burn sugar using oxygen, which burns sugar faster but more efficiently. Researchers said that this strategy makes sense in terms of evolution.

"This orexin pathway we found is basically an overdrive function. Even though blood sugar levels are low, you're not only awake, but you're also energetic because of the action of HIF-1. In retrospect, our findings make a lot of sense, but they were surprising at the time," Dr. Kodadek said.

Dr. Kodadek said that not only was this orexin-HIF link unexpected, but it showed an entirely new way HIF-1 operates. He said that study also illustrates a potential complication of anti-cancer therapies that target HIF-1.These findings reveal that anti-HIF-1 chemotherapy could interfere with this essential function.

"If anything, our findings may be a cautionary tale about whether HIF-related mechanisms are going to be appropriate targets for chemotherapy," Dr. Kodadek said.

The study has appeared in the online version of the journal Genes and Development.

Source: ANI
LIN/P
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Cancer News

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.
Painless Lumps in the Body May Signal Lymphatic Cancer Risk
The presence of painless swelling in the lymph nodes could potentially indicate lymphatic cancer, say experts.
Non-clinical Genetic Testing May Lead to Needless Breast Surgery
Women tested at high risk for breast cancer using non-clinical genetic tests overlooking family history may decide to undergo unnecessary breast surgery.
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
×

Sleep, Hunger Controlling Hormone Associated With Cancer Growth 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