Novel signalling pathways that regulate cell fate in malignancies
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identification of novel signalling pathways that dictate cell fate in human malignancies
IRAS ID
141532
Contact name
Berna Sayan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Research summary
Cancer is a multifactorial disease that involves dynamic changes in the expression pattern of many genes. It is initiated either by inherited (comes from parents) or acquired mutations, which affect the activity of key signalling molecules. It is estimated that every year more than 12 million new cases are reported worldwide; 3% of which is from the UK. In spite of new treatment regiments, the overall death rate is still very high (50%). This strongly suggests that development of new strategies is highly important to fight cancer and save lives.
Effective fight against cancer requires a deep understanding of the abnormalities in cell signalling pathways at the molecular level and devising methodologies to eliminate these abnormalities; by directly targeting them or by targeting their upstream regulators or downstream effectors. This can only be achieved by basic cancer research. Based on the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) statistics, an estimated 519,000 cancer deaths have been avoided in the UK between the 1980s and 2010, owing to intense research that lead to the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In our study we will analyse the expression pattern of various key-signaling molecules among cancer patients aiming to discover novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
13/NS/0167
Date of REC Opinion
6 Dec 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion