[News] Embryo protein explains cancer

[Michaelangelica]

The protein belongs to a group known as vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) which help to produce blood vessels in the uterus during pregnancy. Bridget became interested in the group as part of a study of the evolutionary origins of live birth.

 

“Both tumours and embryos must develop an extensive network of blood vessels which bring in oxygen and nutrients to allow them to grow,” Bridget says. “And they both must avoid rejection by hiding from the immune system of their host. In fact, many researchers think that cancers have hijacked the molecular machinery that originally evolved to allow embryonic development.

Embryo protein explains cancer (Science Alert)

Our egg-laying ancestors probably never got cancer, but things changed when we started having live young. Embryos need an extensive network of blood vessels to allow them to grow. So do tumours. I found that the three-toed skink, which gives birth to live young, uses a particularly powerful protein to encourage the growth of blood vessels. The only other place where this protein has been found is in pre-cancerous cells grown in the laboratory,” she says.

Aussie lizard reveals cancer secrets

And the Yanks will rush to patent it?