Genes protect the body from lung cancer

A study led by researchers at Nottingham University discovered genes that protect the body from lung cancer. The study found that the tumor suppressor gene, LIMD1, responsible for protecting the body from lung cancer - opens up a new direction for early treatment and diagnosis.

Dr. Tyson Sharp and the University of Nottingham team together with Dr. Greg Longmore, a collaborator from the United States, are trying to find out whether the loss of LIMD1 gene is involved in developing lung cancer.

The Nottingham University team examined lung cancer tissue from patients and compared it to healthy lung tissue. They found that the LIMD1 gene does not show up in most lung cancer samples, suggesting the presence of LIMD1 gene protects the body from lung cancer.

Dr. Greg Longmore's team from the United States concurs with this finding.They studied a mouse without the LMID1 gene and had lung cancer.

A study led by researchers at Nottingham University discovered genes that protect the body from lung cancer. (Photo: songvuisongkhoe.blogspot.com)

Dr Sharp said : 'Gen LIMD1 is located in chromosome 3, called 3p21'.

'Chromosome 3p21 usually disappears very early in the development of lung cancer because of toxic chemicals in cigarettes. This suggests that LIMD1 inactivation is an important factor in the early stages of lung cancer.

'We will continue to expand this discovery by using LIMD1 as a diagnostic tool for early lung cancer'.

Lung cancer is the most deadly cancer in the UK, taking away the lives of 33,600 people a year . In it, 90% is attributed to smoking . Currently, lung cancer is often detected late, about 80% of patients die within one year after being diagnosed.

The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, funded by the British Lung Cancer Foundation.

Dame Helena Shovelton, president of the British Lung Cancer Foundation, said: 'This is an important study, a prerequisite for the development of early diagnosis and treatment techniques for lung cancer.'