Proteins Responsible for Metastasis in the Fight Against Cancer

Koç University Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics faculty member Assoc. Prof. Nurhan Özlü and doctoral student Zeynep Cansu Üretmen Kagıalı identified two proteins playing a significant role in processes by which cancer cells acquire metastatic capability in their research. Cancer cells gain motility through the activity of these proteins and are transported to different organs via blood circulation. The identification of these proteins yielded highly important findings in preventing metastasis. In research conducted by Koç University Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics faculty member Assoc. Prof. Nurhan Özlü and his team and published in the journal Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, the effects of two proteins in the transformation of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells with mobility capability were observed. The identification of the two proteins determined as a result of the research will be effective in new solutions to be developed to prevent cancer cells from converting to mesenchymal cell type (with motility capability) and being transported to other organs and tissues via blood. Nearly 90 percent of cancers occurring in the human body originate in epithelial cells. Özlü and his team examined 600 proteins to understand the role proteins play during the transformation from epithelial cells to mesenchymal cells. The results of the work conducted by Assoc. Prof. Nurhan Özlü and his team, which opens an important door in cancer research, are available to all researchers. Through drug targeting studies using CD81, a surface protein in particular, combined drugs that reduce metastasis can be produced, or chemotherapeutic side effects of cancer drugs such as hair loss or effects on neurons can be eliminated.