Key enzyme in melanoma cell development found Washington: An
enzyme, called human polynucleotide phosphorylase or
hPNPaseold-35, discovered in 2003, could play a major role in
preventing melanoma—the most serious type of skin cancer.
Scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered a
mechanism by which the enzyme regulates gene expression and
growth in melanoma cells—a finding that could one day lead to
more effective drugs to attack cancers and make them more
treatable. The study suggests that hPNPaseold-35 might be used
to target a specific genetic component that helps to regulate
gene expression and defends melanoma cells against treatment.
“By selectively and specifically targeting molecules for
degradation that serve as gatekeepers for cancer growth,
progression and resistance to therapy, it may be possible to
turn the cancer cells’ defense into an offense that can be used
as an effective approach to destroy the tumor,” said Dr. Paul B.
Fisher. Several years ago, Fisher led a team of scient