Researchers have determined that the cell cycle-related kinase gene (CCRK) may be involved in the development of glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive form of a type of brain tumor called glioma.
The median survival for patients with glioblastoma multiforme is 12 to 15 months. Researchers hope that identifying the genes that control the progression of the disease will help them develop new therapies.
Samuel Ng, Ph.D., of the University of Hong Kong and colleagues analyzed the gene expression of CCRK in human glioma cell lines, in samples from glioma patients and normal brain tissue, and in mouse models.
They found that the overexpression of the CCRK gene was associated with a greater risk of developing glioma and increased tumor growth, whereas suppression of the gene was associated with the inhibition of tumor growth.
?Our results support the rationale for developing CCRK as a potential therapeutic and diagnostic target for glioblastoma multiforme, and, possibly, other cancers,? the authors write.
Contact: Marie Lin, University of Hong Kong, +852-22990776.