Research team from the Department of General Biochemistry of the JU Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology published an article entitled ‘MCPIP1 Downregulation in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Promotes Vascularization and Metastatic Progression’ in ‘Cancer Research’.
The article describes the crucial role the MCPIP1 protein plays in development, growth and vascularisation of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Thanks to the experiments conducted by a research group led by Dr Katarzyna Miękus, it was proven that the levels of MCPIP1 protein decrease along with the development of cancer, which leads to increased activity of the factors responsible for metastasis. Cancer cells with lower levels of MCPIP1 or its mutated form are characterised by enhanced proliferation and metabolic activity in vitro and in vivo creating tumours with highly developed vascular system.
What is more, cells with inhibited RNase activity or silenced MCPIP1 protein possessed higher levels of proteins and transcription factors engaged in migration and metastasis of the cancer. Additionally, cancer cells with higher levels of MCPIP1 were less active and led to lesser degree of metastasis in lungs. The results point to a protective role of the MCPIP1 protein as a potential suppressor during the development of cancer.
Further research on the subject will be conducted within the framework of several projects funded by the National Science Centre and KNOW donations.
