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Researchers Identify Genetic Mutation That May Alter Patients' Response to Cancer Therapeutics Recurring mutation found in breast, colorectal and ovarian cancers 07-04-2007 Phoenix, July 4, 2007--Researchers from Eli Lilly & Company and the Phoenix-based Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) today announced finding a novel recurring mutation of the gene AKT1 in breast, colorectal and ovarian cancers. The altered form of AKT1 appears to cause tumor cell proliferation and may play a role in making cells resistant to certain types of therapies. The findings are reported in an advance online publication (AOP) of the journal Nature. The PI3-Kinase/AKT pathway is among the most commonly activated cellular pathways in human cancers and members of this pathway are among the most frequently targeted for new cancer drug discovery efforts. Activation of this pathway results in cancer cell growth and cell survival. Although AKT1 is central to pathway activation, its role in cancer has been that of an intermediary between mutated upstream regulatory proteins and downstream survival signaling proteins. This is the first evidence of direct mutation of AKT1 in human cancer tumors: it was discovered in clinical samples from cancer patients, yet has never been detected in cancer cell lines. More here: Genetic Mutation and Cancer Therapy <http://www.arizonabiotech.com/2007/07/genetic-mutation-and-cancer-thera\ py.html> Biotechnology Marketing <http://www.azhttp.com/2007/04/29/biotechnology/> AZhttp <http://www.azhttp.com/>
