Source: New Scientist
Posted: 04 March 2008 11:22 GMT
Summary:
New Scientist reports researchers have discovered that a human embryonic stem cell protein can prevent the growth and spread of some forms of cancer:
"...researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago, US, say a protein produced by human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can inhibit the growth and spread of breast cancer and malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. They suspect that the protein, called Lefty, has similar effects on other tumour types, including those of the prostate... The team at Northwestern previously showed that hESCs – the most versatile type of stem cell – produce chemicals that caused melanoma cells to revert to normal skin cells. They also demonstrated that melanoma and breast cancers produce a protein called Nodal that helps tumour cells spread, and that this protein also facilitates embryonic stem cell's ability to turn into different cell types."
