On / off switch for key "Factor" in heart disease and cancer identified by researchers

Scientists at the University of hull have identified a cellular 'on off' switch, can have the effect for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The team found the mechanism that controls the inclusion of a protein called tissue factor in endothelial microparticles, tiny bubbles, which are published by cells in the lining of blood vessels.

"Although tissue factor is part of the body's natural healing process of that help create to stop lumps to bleeding and repair injuries, high levels in the blood can be harmful circulating", says lead researcher Dr. Camille Ettelaie. "Excessive tissue factor associated with cardiovascular disease including the formation of irregular blood vessels and higher risk of thrombosis, leading to heart attack and stir up."

Dr. Ettelaie and Dr. Rockefeller, Mary Collier revealed that two tandem work amino acids in tissue factor within the cells, as an 'on off switch' to control how and when it is recorded in the microparticles and published. When one of these two amino acids is added a phosphate molecule, the process starts and when the others added, it will end.

By blocking the addition of phosphate molecules, the first amino acid, the researchers could the process - opening up the possibility of the control when and how much factor in microparticles released tissue.

"The goal of the research was to see whether it might be a way to control the output of tissue factor of endothelial cells in micro-particles," Dr. Ettelaie says "This project focuses on the vascular system and is useful for the control of the thrombosis", but tissue factor is also published in micro-particles by cancer cells and cell proliferation - related so consequences for the treatment of cancer as well could be our findings.

"Tissue factor is used by cancer cells - they use, accelerate its growth directly, and also the growth of capillaries, the supply then the cell will die the tumor with nutrients - but if levels of tissue factor in a cell is too high increase,." "If we could use this switch to stop cancer cells get rid of excess tissue factor, to kill them, it might be possible, without adverse impact on the normal cells."

The results of the research - that of Yorkshire cancer research and on the Castle Hill Hospital Fund partly funded cancer trust was - will be published in the latest issue of the journal of Biological Chemistry (April 8).

Source:
Claire Mulley
University of hull