RAISED levels of a tiny molecule in the bloodstream have been linked with prostate cancer metastasis, potentially helping researchers detect the spread of the disease sooner.
A multi-institutional research team led by the University of Adelaide in South Australia has found that a certain microRNA molecule promoted the metastasis of prostate cancer cells.
The study showed how miR-194 promoted cancer metastasis by inhibiting a key protein called SOCS2, which suppresses the spread of cancer cells.
Lead researcher Luke Selth from the University of Adelaide’s Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories said the findings created opportunities for new prediction methods and treatments.
