Researchers identify CRC-activating protein

Researchers at Barcelona, Spain-based Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute discovered inhibiting the Jagged 1 protein in mice prevents colon and rectal tumor growth, according to research published in Nature Communications.

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Researchers implanted CRC tumors in mice to analyze how the Jagged 1 protein functioned. They found the Jagged 1 protein activates the Notch cell-signaling pathway, which inhibits cell differentiation.

Researchers discovered mice lack a fringe protein, which they said implied Jagged 1 is essential to activate Notch. Study director Dr. Lluís Espinosa said by inhibiting Jagged 1, tumor growth can be halted without affecting tissue growth.

Researchers treated the tumors without Notch with antibodies and found the tumors all shrunk and necrosed. Researchers intend to continue refining the treatment to attempt to make it patient-safe.

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