Researchers identify key cellular process in prostate, other cancers

The interaction between two cellular proteins-Skp2 and FOXO1-influences the growth of cancer cells, and the process can be chemically reversed to stop cancer tumor growth, according to an article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2005; 102:169-54).

Mayo Clinic investigators found that Skp2 is the cellular player that tags FOXO1 for destruction. In turn, Skp2 abolishes the ability of FOXO1 to suppress tumors. The study result indicates that human prostate cancer grows without the protection of the tumor suppressor protein FOXO1.

The investigators also found this loss of function can be reversed, even in the presence of high levels of Skp2, by using chemicals that inhibit protein destruction and thus block Skp2's action against FOXO1.