Breakthrough in cell research: Anillin could contain cancer!

Breakthrough in cell research: Anillin could contain cancer!

Erlangen, Deutschland - an outstanding research project for cell division led by Prof. Dr. Esther Zanin from the Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) suggests new ways in cell biology and cancer therapy. The team examines the role of the protein Anillin, which plays a decisive function in the asymmetrical constriction of embryonic cells. The research of these mechanisms could expand the understanding of the development of new cancer medication.

Anillin is available in large quantities in tumor cells, which underlines its potential applications in cancer therapy. The cell division is observed live under a light microscope. At the beginning of the division, a symmetrical ring made of actin proteins forms on the equator of the mother cell, which becomes asymmetrical in the course of the division-at one point it contracts more than on the other. This change leads to a progressive reducing the ring until the cell is completely separated.

The mechanisms of cell division

The mechanism of ring asymmetry that occurs during the cell division was largely unclear. Studies show that the proteins steer the process. Without Anillin, the contraction of the ring is symmetrical, which illustrates the meaning of this protein. Experiments in the laboratory, in which mutations of the Anillin protein in the thread worm * Caenorhabditis Elegans * were created, helped examine the influence on the cell division.

In particular, two domains of the Anillin molecule are responsible for regulating the ring asymmetry: a globular domain and a flexible region. This flexible region adapts the binding capacity to the flow speed of the acting fibers, which leads to different contraction strengths within the ring. Strong currents activate myosin and intensify the contraction on one side of the ring, while weak currents weaken the contraction.

meaning for cancer research

The knowledge of Anillin is not only important for understanding the normal cell division, but also for the development of new approaches to contain tumor cells. Current therapies mainly target microtubules, whereby these often go hand in hand with serious side effects and the development of resistance. In contrast, new approaches to targeting anillin and its functions in cancer could serve to develop effective treating strategies.

Anillin has a key role in tumorousesis because it has a strong influence on the cytoskeleton that controls proliferation and behavior of cancer cells. The overexpression of Anillin was found in several types of cancer such as breast, lung and pancreas. High anillin expression often correlates with a poor forecast for the patient.

In addition, studies have shown that the inhibition of Anillin can reduce tumor growth in animal models. Anillin also promotes the migration of tumor cells, which further complicated the challenges in the treatment of cancer.

The team would like to further examine the multi -layered functions of Anillin in the upcoming studies in order to create the basics for potential new treatment methods. An integrative approach that combines both basic and applied science could be the key to solving many challenges of modern medicine.

For detailed information about the methods used and the first results of research, reference is made to the full studies: Nature , PMC .