We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

LabMedica

Download Mobile App
Recent News Expo Medica 2024 Clinical Chem. Molecular Diagnostics Hematology Immunology Microbiology Pathology Technology Industry Focus

Blocking ITK Activity Slows Growth of Malignant Melanoma in Mouse Model

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 14 May 2015
Development of malignant melanoma was found to depend to some extent on the activity of the enzyme produced by the gene interleukin-2 (IL2) inducible T-cell kinase (ITK).

Investigators at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, USA) used an ITK-specific monoclonal antibody to probe sections from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor blocks or melanoma cell line arrays. ITK was visualized by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Image: Molecular model of IL2 inducible T-cell kinase (ITK) enzyme (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
Image: Molecular model of IL2 inducible T-cell kinase (ITK) enzyme (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).

Results published in the May 1, 2015, issue of the journal Clinical Cancer Research revealed that ITK was expressed at greater levels in primary and metastatic melanomas than in non-cancerous moles. In metastatic melanoma samples, 91% had higher expression levels than of the non-cancerous moles.

Treatment of melanoma-bearing mice with a low molecular weight ITK inhibitor reduced growth of ITK-expressing xenografts or established native melanomas.

“We have discovered that ITK is highly expressed in melanoma even though it was thought to be restricted to immune cells, and when you inhibit it, you decrease melanoma growth,” said senior author Dr. Nancy E. Thomas, professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina. “Therefore, we think it is a good potential drug target.”

Related Links:
University of North Carolina



Gold Member
TORCH Panel Rapid Test
Rapid TORCH Panel Test
Antipsychotic TDM AssaysSaladax Antipsychotic Assays
New
Lab Sample Rotator
H5600 Revolver
New
Nuclear Matrix Protein 22 Test
NMP22 Test

Latest BioResearch News

Genome Analysis Predicts Likelihood of Neurodisability in Oxygen-Deprived Newborns

Gene Panel Predicts Disease Progession for Patients with B-cell Lymphoma

New Method Simplifies Preparation of Tumor Genomic DNA Libraries