Sisters
Proteins are the workhorses of eukaryotic physiology – for
good and for evil. Here are some Brits
who have discovered that (1) a certain protein (SOX2) can be used as a very
early warning of the onset of ovarian cancer and (2) that another protein (an
enzyme, SLK2) is necessary for OVCA to spread.
Breakthrough? Probably not. To detect high levels of SOX2 it is necessary
to sample the fallopian tubes – no mean feat.
As for SLK2, the biochemical pathway(s) whereby it does its dirty work
appear to be unknown. However, as I have
written before: every little bit of knowledge helps. Someday there will appear a biochemical
Darwin, who will puzzle over the accumulated facts, then quickly rearrange them
and – voila – a cure for OVCA will arise.
May she appear soon!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/07/28/ovarian-cancer-test-on-horizon-as-scientists-find-earliest-signs/
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