Signalling pathway mutations in colorectal cancer treatment

The discovery of mutational activation of a key cell-signalling pathway may provide new targets for therapeutic intervention for colorectal cancer, reports this week's Nature.

Protein kinases are enzymes that are important for controlling cellular growth and invasion.

Their malfunction is implicated in the development of some tumors.

Dr Williams Parsons and colleagues analyzed human colorectal cancers for genetic mutations.

Mutations were found in 8 genes

Nature

The investigators assessed in 340 serine/threonine kinases.

The investigative team found mutations in 8 genes.

In addition, the team found mutations in 3 members of the phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase pathway.

Dr Parsons' team concludes, “The discovery of this mutational activation of a key cell-signalling pathway may provide new targets for therapeutic intervention.”