New tumor suppressor gene will facilitate detection of people susceptible to skin cancer
Tuesday, February 25, 2014 - 06:32
in Biology & Nature
The human genome contains approximately 20,000 protein coding genes which are responsible for the formation, development and functioning of the human body. A similar number of genes exists in the mouse genome. In this pool only some genes -- called tumor suppressors -- can initiate the production of proteins having anti-cancer properties. One of the mouse genes displays strong suppressive properties against the development of non-melanoma skin cancers, which was proven by a team of Polish and Australian researchers. The experimental results are a promising step towards more effective prophylactic tests and new methods of treatment of this type of tumors in human patients.