Mesothelioma mechanism being studied by Ohio State U scientists
Scientists at Ohio State University are breaking new ground in their study of the molecular mechanisms by which asbestos fibers trigger cancer. These scientists have been able to observe how an asbestos fiber binds to a specific receptor protein on the surface of a cell. This attachment is the first step in what scientists believe is a “cascade of events” that occur inside the cell and can eventually cause cancer, including malignant mesothelioma.
Scientists hope that a better understanding of the mechanisms by which asbestos triggers cancer will lead to improved treatments, include targeted drug treatment for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers. Clinical application of the research is still far in the future, however.
Scientists have initiated their research by studying crocidolite asbestos fibers, but they plan to extend the research to all six common types of asbestos fibers.
The National Science Foundation is supporting this research.
For the full story, go to Science Daily.
