Breakthrough in cancer research: Selenoo brakes melanoma metastases!

Breakthrough in cancer research: Selenoo brakes melanoma metastases!

A current study by the Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen has found that the protein Selenoo plays a crucial role in the spread of cancer cells. The results of this research were published in the renowned specialist journal Cancer Research . In particular, the examination shows that patient: on the inside with malignant melanoma have increased selenodic expression that correlates with increased metastasis and poorer survival rates. These findings are particularly alarming because they point out that high selenoo expression with an unfavorable prognosis for cancer patients is connected.

By carrying out experiments on a mouse model, the researchers were able to show that a lack of selenoo significantly reduces the formation of metastases. Selenoo acts as antioxidants and protects the cells from oxidative stress, which can negatively affect a variety of cellular processes. Dr. Luiza Martin's Nascentes Melo, postdoctoral in the working group for tumor tabolism at the clinic for dermatology, emphasizes the importance of discovering for the development of new therapy strategies to combat cancer metastases.

scientific background to Selenoo

Selenoo is an evolutionary preserved selenon protein, which catalyzes ampylation, an essential modifying reaction that is important when reaction to oxidative stress in bacteria and yeasts. According to an additional analysis, a high expression of Selenoo in melanoma patients correlates: closely with the metastasis and a deteriorated overall survival. In another Murine model that was specially developed for spontaneous melanoma metastases, it was shown that the lack of selenoo significantly reduces metastasis formation into distant visceral organs.

The reduction of the metastases could also be restored by treatment with the antioxidant n-acetylcystein, which underlines the protective role of Selenoo in the context of oxidative stress. Studies have shown that Selenoo ampylated specific mitochondrial substrial, including succinatdehydrogenase subunit A, one of the key subunes of the mitochondrial complex II. This indicates that selenoo deficiency not only affects metastasis formation, but also regulates essential functions of mitochondrial activity.

relevance for cancer research

These new knowledge about the role of Selenoo in Cancer is a significant progress in cancer research. Researchers see potential starting points for innovative therapies in the modulation of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress, which could target the metastasis of cancer cells. Understanding the functions and mechanisms of Selenoo could therefore not only contribute to the development of better healing methods, but also open new perspectives for the treatment of malignant melanoma.

The original publication is available for detailed information on this study and its results: Cancer Research . Further information on the topic can also be found on pubmed and in a comprehensive article by Nature .