Janelle Mallett, Body1/Knee1 Staff 04/13/00
A report by a group of researchers at the University of Illinois in Chicago published April 11th in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal reveals that a single gene, p21, is responsible for activating genes that influence development of artery disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and arthritis.
Scientists now have a target gene from which to develop new drugs to retard the progress of one or more of these diseases.
When activated by cell damage or cell aging, p21 is said to produce a protein that prevents cell growth and allows for cell repair. The gene can also turn “on” or activate other genes in humans.
The researchers were able to track the gene’s activity in the body. Activated p21 is also part of a pathway that signals genes that synthesize proteins linked to cancer and other age-related diseases. The gene APP that codes for beta-amyloid peptide, the protein involved in brain plaque formation associated with Alzheimer’s disease, is activated by p21. Similarly, the newly discovered gene activates production of SAA, an inflammatory protein linked to arteriosclerosis and arthritis.
``The effects of p21 on gene expression may be a contributing factor to the development of various age-related diseases,'' said Dr. Igor B. Roninson of the university research team in an interview with Reuters Health. ``This is something we are looking to confirm.''
The research team’s discovery will provide insight on drug discovery that could inhibit the effects of p21 on activating disease-related genes, Roninson continued.
For more information, visit The National Cancer Institute
