By the Texas A&M University Colleges of Medicine and Science
Biological clocks throughout the body play a major role in human health and performance, from sleep andenergy useto howfood is metabolizedand evenstroke severity. Now, Texas A&M University researchers found that circadian rhythms could hold the key to novel therapies for glioblastoma, the most prevalent type of brain cancer in adults—and one with a grim prognosis.
Scientists in the Texas A&MCenter for Biological Clocks Research(CBCR) determined that the timed production of a particular protein, associated with tumor proliferation and growth, is disrupted in glioblastoma cells, and they believe that this may lead to a more effective technique to treat the cancerous cells without damaging the healthy surrounding tissue. These findings, which were supported in part by the National Institutes of Health, werepublished today(Jan. 10) in the international journalBMC Cancer.
Texas A&M biologist Deborah Bell-Pedersen, PhD, a co-corresponding author on the study, found in her previous research that the biological clock in the model fungal systemNeurospora crassacontrols daily rhythms in the activity of a signaling molecule, called p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK). This signaling protein plays a role in glioblastoma’s highly invasive and aggressive properties.
A survey of students, faculty and staff will be conducted as part of the four-year initiative to enhance mental health and well-being programming and resources.
Dr. Nicholas Jeffery receives Bourgelat Award for innovative strategies, including advancements in treating spinal cord and nervous system injuries in dogs.