| NRI creates mice resistant to cancer
An Indian-origin researcher at the University of Kentucky has led a team to create mice that are resistant to aggressive types of cancer. The might of the mouse comes from a tumour-suppressor gene in the prostate called Par-4, discovered by Vivek Rangnekar, professor of radiation medicine at the UK College of Medicine, who had completed his doctoral studies at the University of Bombay. The researchers discovered that the Par-4 gene kills cancer cells, but not normal cells. “The implications for humans could be that through bone marrow transplantation, the Par-4 molecule could potentially be used to fight cancer cells in patients without the toxic and damaging side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy,"' said the University's media statement announcing the breakthrough.
Pros and cons of veganism
People who eat only plant-based foods also have lower rates of type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer, such as prostate and colon cancer. Con -- Key nutrients found primarily in animal foods can be missed in poorly planned vegan diets. Of particular concern are protein, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B-12, omega-3 fatty acids and iodine. Pro -- The old rule that "complementary proteins have to be eaten at the same meal" is no longer valid, according to research. Vegans can meet their protein needs if they eat a variety of protein-containing foods throughout the day. Con -- Plant proteins are generally lower quality and less digestible than animal- based proteins. Vegan children may need to eat 20 percent to 30 percent more protein than nonvegans.
Immune System Notified Of Prostate Cancer By Common Molecule
In experiments with mice, researchers have found that the body's immune system can use a surprisingly common molecule to recognize prostate tumors. The molecule comes from a protein found in all cells of the body; however, immune cells appear to respond to it only when it is present on the surface of cells within a tumor.
Understanding how this protein, known as histone H4, signals the immune system to respond to malignant cells may help researchers refine immunotherapy strategies that harness the body's own immune system to fight tumors. Some types of immunotherapy are already being tested in patients, but many questions remain unanswered. In particular, researchers want to know if tumor cells display molecular signposts that tell the immune system, "I'm a cancer cell, destroy me."
Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator James P.
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