Discovery in Erlangen: How a protein influences tumor growth!

Discovery in Erlangen: How a protein influences tumor growth!

A team led by Prof. Dr. Esther Zanin from the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) examined the cell division of embryonic cells in a recent study. The central focus of the research is the protein anillin, which plays a crucial role in the asymmetry of the constriction of the mother cell. Anillin, which is found in large quantities in tumor cells, could open up wide-ranging applications for the development of new cancer drugs, such as fau.de reported.

By using light microscopes, cell division was observed in real time. At the beginning of division, a symmetrical ring of actin proteins forms at the equator of the mother cell. As division progresses, this ring changes and becomes asymmetrical, with one side contracting more than the other. This process is accompanied by a reduction in the ring diameter until the cell is completely separated.

Mechanisms of ring asymmetry

The mechanism behind this ring asymmetry was not previously fully understood. While it was known that actin fibers and anillin were significantly involved in control, current research shows that anillin has an inhibitory effect on the active switch protein RhoA. This prevents other proteins from binding and keeps myosin inactive. Some mutations of anillin in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans were created in the laboratory to understand how they affect cell division.

For the first time, the researchers were able to describe the adaptation mechanisms of the anillin protein: a flexible region of the molecule adjusts the binding ability to the globular domain depending on the flow speed of the actin fibers. Strong currents result in weak binding to RhoA, while weak currents result in strong binding. This varying binding has significant effects on the asymmetry of the ring.

Importance for cancer research

The relevance of this research extends beyond basic research and has potential therapeutic implications, particularly in cancer research. Since anillin is overexpressed as a cytoskeletal scaffold protein in many solid tumors, understanding its functions in cell division and the modulation of cytoskeletal structure becomes particularly important. Oncogenic transformation leads to dramatic changes in cellular homeostasis, which can promote the rapid growth and spread of tumors pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Current therapeutic approaches focus mainly on microtubules, although the targeted treatment of actin and septin in cancer cells has so far been neglected. Findings from the study could potentially promote new approaches to the treatment of cancer, particularly with regard to anillin and its extensive functions in tumorigenesis.

In summary, research into the protein anillin and its role in cell division plays a key role in deciphering the mechanisms of tumor formation and could have a significant impact on the future of cancer research and therapy.