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Scientists Find Master Gene To Switch On Immune Cells
Scientists claim to have identified a master gene which is able to transform blood stem cells into disease-fighting immune cells. The hope is that this discovery will allow for new treatments for cancer. "The researchers have 'knocked out' the gene in question, known as E4bp4, in a mouse model, creating the world's first animal model entirely lacking NK cells, but with all other blood cells and immune cells intact. This breakthrough model should help solve the mystery of the role that Natural Killer cells play in autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Some scientists think that these diseases are caused by malfunctioning NK cells that turn on the body and attack healthy cells, causing disease instead of fighting it. Clarifying NK cells' role could lead to new ways of treating these conditions."
Ah, to clarify - they also want to turn off faulty NK cells. That makes more sense.
Scientists point out problems, engineers fix them
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That's how genetics works.
You find out what creates a something by turning it off.
For example, they E4bp4 gene is needed to make NK cells from blood stem cells. They now know that one of the steps in generating NK cells from the listed stem cells involves the protein E4bp4 gene. Using information about this and other relevant proteins (both that they have found, and that they haven't found, once they are found), they will be able to devise procedures for converting these stem cells (possibly from the original patient, eliminating or reducing rejection issues) to NK cells.
Self proclaimed typo king, and inventor of the bear destroying coffee table (patent not pending).
No, that is the definition of cancer, not the cause. Cause != symptom. Example: a large portion of cancers, are in part, caused by a disabled p53 gene.
Unfortunately, a cure that non-specific also targets normal stem cells, and the treatment actually curing cancer vs. killing the patient becomes a dice game that works on small cancers.
Now, what CAUSES the cells to go haywire is a good thing to target.
No, everyone has cells that have the potential to become cancerous, and most people develop cancer cells at some point during their lives. It's a small difference, but you seem to want to be really nitpicky here...
Self proclaimed typo king, and inventor of the bear destroying coffee table (patent not pending).