Word: tgf
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...chemical factors that control the circadian rhythms work through a receptor known as TGF alpha that then communicates with the nerve cells. The factors regulate daily physical activity, as well as the sleep-wake cycle...
...TGF alpha molecule is not a new discovery—it’s long been known to scientists. But the molecule’s circadian function comes as something of a surprise...
Black now wants to turbocharge TGF-beta gene therapy with dendritic cells, white blood cells that identify foreign proteins for destruction. He proposes to harvest dendritic cells from a patient's blood, expose them to cancer proteins in a test tube and reinject them. The cells would then point out the now familiar proteins to the immune system's killer T cells, which would track them down like bloodhounds that have been exposed to an escaped convict's dirty laundry. "We can completely eradicate glioblastomas in rats using this strategy," says Black. "We want to get these treatments out into...
...reason for such urgency is that no matter how carefully a surgeon cuts out a malignant tumor, the few stray cancer cells that are inevitably left behind will begin to grow again. TGF-beta and dendritic cells, or any one of a dozen other treatments under investigation by Black and others, could lead to the true cure for brain cancer that is Black's long-term goal...
Armed with such powerful weaponry to kill the main body of the enemy, and backed up by new therapies like TGF-beta antisense to hunt down straggler cells, Black believes the audacious course he set for himself in medical school may be attainable. Along with other top neurosurgeons, he may yet find a way to defeat--not just hold off--malignant brain tumors...