Crystal structure of a protein that plays a role in supplying nutrients to solid tumors identified

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 12 May 2005 - 12:00 PDT

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A structural biologist from the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, in collaboration with researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, has identified the crystal structure of a protein that plays a role in supplying nutrients to solid tumors.

This identification may help researchers gain a greater understanding of the cell signaling that occurs when cancer cells try to co-opt nearby healthy cells into helping to feed and spread growing tumors.

The structure of the protein, Ang2, will be published this week in "Structure" a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

"By examining structures of proteins and learning how they interact with each other, we can better explore how to turn off the signals that promote cancer growth," said William A. Barton, Ph.D., a VCU alumnus who recently returned to Richmond to continue his research.

"Once we understand the shape and characteristics of proteins involved in tumor growth and development, researchers can identify therapeutics that may eventually lead to cures for cancer."

Barton works under a joint appointment with the VCU Massey Cancer Center and the VCU Institute for Structure Biology and Drug Discovery.

About the VCU Massey Cancer Center

The VCU Massey Cancer Center, one of 60 National Cancer Institute-designated research institutions, is VCU's focal point for basic and clinical cancer research, education, prevention and cancer health care. Since 1975, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. Its 175 doctors and researchers are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing effective means to prevent, control and ultimately to cure cancer. Visit Massey online at http://www.vcu.edu/mcc.

Contact: Andrea Butler
albutler@vcu.edu
804-628-2111
Virginia Commonwealth University
http://www.vcu.edu