Rearcher to Study Link Between Mesothelioma and Cell Stress
Dr. Stefan Marciniak of the University of Cambridge has been awarded funding for a project to study the relationship between cell stress and mesothelioma. The funding is provided by the British Lung Foundation and the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund.
Marciniak and his colleagues have been studying endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dysfunction and the role it plays in many human diseases, including diabetes and cancer. It is critical for him and his researchers to understand the biological processes it provokes, and through this project he hopes to gain a better understanding of why mesothelioma progresses as it does.
Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer primarily caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until up to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. However, after symptoms become apparent, mesothelioma often rapidly progresses resulting in life-threatening complications.
The study will look at proteins produced by ER. Marciniak has shown that when ER proteins accumulate the cell is said to experience “ER stress,” which is increased in mesothelioma cells. The researchers hope to assess whether the amount of ER stress on cells can predict the speed at which mesothelioma develops. This will in turn help determine the success of mesothelioma treatments including chemotherapy.
Upon receiving the grant Dr. Stefan Marciniak said,”I hope to be able to take my findings out of the laboratory to improve the treatments available to my patients in the future.” Mesothelioma is highly aggressive and is resistant to many standard cancer treatments. Currently there is no known cure for mesothelioma.
