Roman Byst
Wed, Nov-02-05, 05:16
Robert Preidt, "Protein Helps Vitamin E Fight Cancer", Forbes,
November 1, 2005, Link: http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/healt-
h/feeds/hscout/2005/11/01/hscout528853.html
Researchers say they've identified a protein that suppresses
prostate cancer while enhancing the cancer-fighting effects of
vitamin E.
The protein -- alpha tocopherol associated protein (TAP) --
disrupts an important signaling pathway in prostate cancer
cells and, by doing so, suppresses prostate cancer growth. The
protein also assists in the retention of vitamin E in prostate
cancer cells and increases the vitamin's effect in limiting
cancer cell proliferation.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center also
found TAP expression levels to be much lower in the
cancer-afflicted prostate
vs. the normal prostate. This suggests that high TAP
expression in prostate cells may play a role in normal
prostate development and vitamin E-related functions.
The study appears in the Nov. 1 issue of the journal Cancer
Research and is the first to describe the role of TAP in
prostate cancer.
According to the researchers, restoring TAP levels in prostate
cancer patients might provide a new method of treatment.
However, much more research is required to determine if this
is even possible. TAP does have immediate potential as a new
prognostic marker for prostate cancer, however.
"If research continues to show the important role of TAP, we
could use TAP expression levels to better assess and predict
the aggressiveness of the cancer. We may be able to use TAP
levels to predict whether a patient will respond to
treatment," Dr. Edward M. Messing, chair of urology at the
University of Rochester Medical Center, said in a prepared
statement.
November 1, 2005, Link: http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/healt-
h/feeds/hscout/2005/11/01/hscout528853.html
Researchers say they've identified a protein that suppresses
prostate cancer while enhancing the cancer-fighting effects of
vitamin E.
The protein -- alpha tocopherol associated protein (TAP) --
disrupts an important signaling pathway in prostate cancer
cells and, by doing so, suppresses prostate cancer growth. The
protein also assists in the retention of vitamin E in prostate
cancer cells and increases the vitamin's effect in limiting
cancer cell proliferation.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center also
found TAP expression levels to be much lower in the
cancer-afflicted prostate
vs. the normal prostate. This suggests that high TAP
expression in prostate cells may play a role in normal
prostate development and vitamin E-related functions.
The study appears in the Nov. 1 issue of the journal Cancer
Research and is the first to describe the role of TAP in
prostate cancer.
According to the researchers, restoring TAP levels in prostate
cancer patients might provide a new method of treatment.
However, much more research is required to determine if this
is even possible. TAP does have immediate potential as a new
prognostic marker for prostate cancer, however.
"If research continues to show the important role of TAP, we
could use TAP expression levels to better assess and predict
the aggressiveness of the cancer. We may be able to use TAP
levels to predict whether a patient will respond to
treatment," Dr. Edward M. Messing, chair of urology at the
University of Rochester Medical Center, said in a prepared
statement.