A gene known as P2X7R (or P2RX7) and the protein it codes may offer a new target for a new type of mesothelioma treatment.A recent study of P2X7R in the University of Ferrara in Ferrara, Italy revealed that the protein was overexpressed in three different cell lines mesothelioma. Equally important, P2X7R was not expressed by healthy mesothelial membrane cells taken from healthy subjects.
The search for a new mesothelioma treatment
Researchers have known the existence of the P2X7R gene and its signaling protein for a while. Recently, this signaling pathway has been attracting more attention for its potential role in cancer cell death or proliferation.
When researchers at the University of Ferrara had confirmed that the protein was expressed by mesothelioma cells, they began to test how it might affect blocking their growth.
"Malignant pleural mesothelioma proliferation of cells was inhibited by incubation in vitro in the presence of selective antagonists of P2X7R," reports researcher Francesca Amoroso, Ph.D., a molecular biologist at the University of Ferrara. The same effect was observed in the laboratory where scientists used another agent called an agonist to prevent the binding of protein to its target receptor.
Test P2X7R in living subjects
The next phase of testing was to see how P2X7R target proteins affected mesothelioma tumors in live animals.
Researchers have administered a medicament blocking P2X7R in mice with mesothelioma tumors implanted either subcutaneously or intraperitoneally. In both cases, the drug inhibits tumor growth of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
"Our results suggest that P2X7R could be a new target for the treatment of mesothelioma," wrote Dr. Amoroso.
Limited Mesothelioma Treatment Options
specific genes and signaling proteins targeting methods are a major concern for many cancer researchers in the world, especially those who study rare and difficult to treat cancers such as mesothelioma.
mesothelioma patients currently have few viable treatment options. Even with a multimodality treatment including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the asbestos cancer is often fatal within 18 months of diagnosis. In 2016, approximately 2,500 Americans will be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
