Bombesin receptor gene cloned

Article Abstract:

The gene for the receptor protein for bombesin, a peptide, was recently cloned, a development of interest because bombesin appears to be involved in a wide range of physiological processes. Of particular importance for cancer researchers is the fact that bombesin-like peptides seem to stimulate the growth of malignant cells, including those of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), which kills several thousand people each year. Earlier research showed that an antibody against bombesin inhibited the growth of SCLC cells in tissue culture. Now, studies using the bombesin antibody to treat people with this disease have begun, and the drug at least shows no signs of toxicity. In fact, the bombesin receptor might be a better target for therapeutic agents than the peptide itself; the recent cloning of the receptor gene will make it possible to evaluate this possibility. Chemical properties of the receptor are described. The cloning is the first for a growth factor receptor of the category to which the bombesin receptor belongs (those that work via G protein intermediates). Thus, the discovery is expected to throw light on basic physiological processes, as well as being potentially significant for treating SCLC. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Physiological aspects, Growth factors, Lung cancer, Small cell, Small cell lung cancer, Bombesin

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DNA repair defect tied to mutated TGF-Beta receptor gene

Article Abstract:

Researchers have determined how mutations in the TGF-Beta receptor gene contribute to the development of cancer. Mutated TGF-Beta cannot inhibit the growth of epithelial cells, the type of cells involved in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer and ovarian and endometrial cancer.

Abnormalities, DNA repair, Cancer, Epithelial cells, Cancer genetics, Growth factor receptors, Dyskeratosis congenita

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