My Breakthrough
Cheating cell death
The aim of this research is to uncover the precise mechanisms that regulate apoptosis, in order to determine why cancer cells don't die when they should.
Why are we interested?
With greater understanding of how apoptosis occurs, and how cancer cells are able to override this, it may be possible to restore normal cell death in cancer cells - effectively killing them.
How is this being investigated?
This area of research is largely based on the fruit fly, Drosophila. Much is known about the fruit fly's genetics and development, making it a useful model for understanding cell death.
Due to the short life cycle of the fruit fly, scientists are able to see the effects of mutations that are passed on through many generations in a short period of time. Consequently, it is easy to pinpoint those genes that may be involved in apoptosis.
Who is carrying out the Research?
This research is being carried out by scientists in the Apoptosis laboratory, headed by Dr Pascal Meier at the Breakthrough Research Centre.
Achievements
In exciting research, the team revealed how the Inhibitor of Apoptosis protein actually functions to
prevent cell death.
These findings have greatly advanced our understanding about how apoptosis is controlled. Most importantly, this research gives vital clues as to how cell death is prevented and to the processes that may be exploited by cancer cells.
For more detailed information, please visit the Breakthrough Research Centre website.
