Scientists look at precancerous cells

Researchers in Boston have identified how a missing protein causes tissue to become precancerous, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced. The finding could help identify patients at risk of developing tumors, MIT said. Most breast and prostate tumors are missing the protein but it has not been clear what role the protein, known as 14-3-3 sigma, played in tumor growth. The researchers reported in Nature that when the protein is knocked down, dividing cells fail to separate fully and become precancerous. "The cells try to divide and try to divide, and they just give up. They can't finish cytokinesis (the final stages of cell division)," said Michael Yaffe, associate professor of biology and biological engineering. ... Whole article: "www.sciencedaily.com":[ http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Science&article=UPI-1-20070316-18131300-bc-us-tumors.xml]

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