Brown cancer biologists ID key growth factor

PROVIDENCE- Researchers at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School and Rhode Island Hospital have identified a type of gene-regulating protein that is required to jump-start the process of cell division, thus uncovering a potential new way to treat cancer.
The “transcription factor,” called GABP, is described in an article posted online in the journal Nature Cell Biology this month.
Since cell growth is a fundamental biological process, the research could shed light on everything from miscarriages to muscular dystrophy, but the scientists see particular potential in cancer treatment. Since a key characteristic of cancer cells is unchecked growth, understanding this factor could lead to new cancer treatments.
“As a scientist and a physician, I am tremendously excited,” said Dr. Alan Rosmarin, an associate professor at Brown and director of clinical oncology research for Lifespan, Rhode Island Hospital’s parent. “This discovery not only adds to our basic understanding of cell division; it could lead to better cancer drugs. And they’re needed.”

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