In a newly published study, researchers reveal a new method for cancer treatment with the potential to "deactivate" the deadly irregular cells. This new method stems from the discovery that adhesion proteins, which are considered the glue that holds cells together, directly interact with microRNAs.

A previous hypothesis involving two other adhesion proteins, E-cadherin and p120, initially sparked the researchers curiosity on this topic. Antonis Kourtidis, Ph.D., study's lead author and research associate in Dr. Anastasiadis' lab, said “We and other researchers had found that this hypothesis didn't seem to be true, since both E-cadherin and p120 are still present in tumor cells and required for their progression. That led us to be believe that these molecules have two faces -- a good one, maintaining the normal behavior of the cells, and a bad one that drives tumorigenesis."

This study led them to the discovery of the very fragile relationship between a new protein and microRNAs, or miRNAs, and their essential role in the regulation of gene expression and growth in specific groups. Researchers found that, when adhesion with PLEKHA7 is disrupted, miRNAs are then misregulated and cells begin to replicate uncontrollably. As a result, they were able to illustrate that restoring miRNAs to normal levels worked to stop the replication of cancerous cells.

When asked specifically about their findings, Dr. Kourtidis said:

“The study brings together two so-far unrelated research fields -- cell-to-cell adhesion and miRNA biology -- to resolve a long-standing problem about the role of adhesion proteins in cell behavior that was baffling scientists. Most significantly, it uncovers a new strategy for cancer therapy."

As a strong presence in the search to find effective treatment methods for this deadly disease, Cancer Cures Investigated is thrilled to shed light on yet another monumental discovery. Lynette Wilson, a representative for the company, shared their enthusiasm in a statement, saying “This discovery is one of several to happen in the past year, all of which have taken us one step closer to establishing safe and effective treatments for this deadly disease. We hope that creative research teams like the one in Dr. Anastasiadis' lab continue to make discoveries like these and challenge the face of medicine as we know it.

Those interested in learning more about this monumental discovery should visit http://www.cancercuresinvestigated.com/uncategoriz.... While there, readers are invited to take full advantage of the wealth of information available on the company site.