Researchers from The Wistar Institute have suggested that a protein named TRAP1, which is an essential energy production regulator in both healthy and cancerous cells, has an impact on prostate cancer development. The discovery could be employed in treating the disease.

The study, published in The Journal of Biological Chemistry, proved that the TRAP1 protein has a similar structure to the heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), which can be found in the mitochondria of cancerous cells.

TRAP1 Protein And Cancer Cells

Mitochondria are the areas responsible for the production of energy in the cells, and prior research conducted in the past years has proven that a series of tumors actually modify the genes and proteins that produce energy as a survival mechanism in the human body.

The president and CEO of the Wistar Institute, Dario C. Altieri, M.D., and his team, conducted a previous research, proving that the TRAP1 protein does impact the cancerous cells on mice. The subjects were removed the protein, and they were found to live longer and improve the symptoms of age-related illnesses as well.

Therefore, the protein was found to be a key factor to feeding cancerous cells, which is why the researchers conducted this follow-up study as well.

A Possible New Treatment

According to Altieri, who was the lead author of the studies, the first research was crucial, as it proved that TRAP1 impacted tumor growth. However, it was the follow-up research that actually defined the role of this tumor in the context of prostate cancer.

A necessary mechanism in understanding the best way to create better cancer treatment for prostate patients requires analyzing the role of mitochondria for patients' conditions, i.e. the manner that proteins help the cancerous cells survive inside the human body.

As part of the latest study, the research team changed the approach. Instead of removing the protein, they added more of it. The mice were also bred to live without a copy of the PTEN gene, which acts as a suppressor when it comes to tumors.

The scientists observed that not only did the mice react worse to the cancer, but mice without the gene were found to simulate the effects of the disease on human patients more accurately. The prostate cancer was more invasive, and the mice died faster because of this combination, which proves that the TRAP1 protein has a significant impact on tumor development.

The research could be employed in treating patients with prostate cancer although more research will need to be conducted. Still, the lead author of the study is optimistic concerning the chances of incorporating this method into treatments.