Tumor-blocking role found for cell regulation molecule

In order to develop new anti-cancer treatments, researchers need to identify target molecules that are responsible for controlling tumor growth. Two such molecules are JNK and p38, which both regulate cell multiplication and cell death.

In a new project, scientists from the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute at The University of Manchester – part of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre – have investigated the role of a protein controlled by JNK and p38, known as ATF2, in tumor development.

Professor Nic Jones, leader of the Cell Regulation group and Director of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre, who led the study, said: “There have been conflicting findings in terms of whether JNK and ATF2 suppress or encourage tumor growth. We wanted to clarify their role in the development of cancer.”

The researchers investigated a model of liver cancer and demonstrated that ATF2 appeared to suppress tumor growth. Further study showed that this process was dependent on JNK. They then examined molecules controlled by ATF2 and found that some of them were present in reduced levels in a number of different human tumors compared with normal cells.

This result suggests that ATF2 function is impaired during tumor development and indicates that its tumor suppression role may be more widespread than just liver cancer.

“We have demonstrated that JNK and ATF2 have a role to play in tumor suppression. Additional research is now needed to determine what causes changes in the levels of these ATF2-dependent molecules in tumors,” added Professor Jones.