CSHL Press News

On Target

07/15/2007

On Target: Scientists identify the cytokine IL6 as a new chemotherapeutic target for Ras-driven cancers

In an upcoming Genes & Development paper, Dr. Christopher Counter and colleagues at the Duke University Medical Center have identified IL6 as a new target in the battle against Ras-induced cancers.

Ras is a key intracellular messenger protein that directs, among other things, cell growth and proliferation. Over-expression of the Ras oncogen, or of its growth-promoting pathway, is an integral step in the development of a number of human cancers, particularly pancreatic and lung cancer. Unfortunately, though, attempts to target Ras for inhibition in a clinical setting have proved unsuccessful.

"We knew Ras was really important for cancer, but time after time it defied attempts to be inhibited in the clinic. So we decided, why not go after something that you can make a drug against that Ras activates?" explains Dr. Counter. Dr. Counter and colleagues sought to identify other proteins that are secreted when Ras is activated, and evaluate them as potential therapeutic candidates. One factor, in particular, is receiving a lot attention.

Interleukin-6 (IL6) is an inflammatory cytokine (growth factor) that stimulates the immune system in response to injury. Dr. Counter’s team has demonstrated that Ras induces the secretion of IL6 in a number of different cell types. The scientists then showed that IL6 promotes tumorigenesis by encouraging new blood vessel growth.

Dr. Counter and colleagues were able to successfully fight tumor formation in a preclinical model by suppressing IL6 activity. While further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of IL6 targeted cancer therapies, these initial results are encouraging. "Targeting secreted proteins that Ras activates has opened the door to inhibit the oncogenic signal of Ras via druggable proteins," states Dr. Counter.


Genes & Development is a publication of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a private, non-profit, basic research and educational institution. Scientists at the Laboratory conduct groundbreaking research in cancer, neurobiology, plant molecular genetics, genomics and bioinformatics. The Laboratory is recognized internationally for its educational activities, which include an extensive program of scientific meetings and courses that attract more than 8000 scientists to the campus each year. For more information about the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, visit http://www.cshl.org or call the Department of Public Affairs at (516) 367-8455.

Contact:
Heather Cosel-Pieper
Genes & Development
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
tel. (516) 422-4018
fax (516) 422-4093




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