Veterinary scientists spearhead breakthrough in understanding why some people are at greater risk of developing gastric cancer
Press release
24 June 2008
Scientists from the Faculty of Veterinary Science have provided proof of the role the MUC1 protein plays in prevention of gastric cancer and ulcers.
The research, done in partnership with scientists from the Mater Medical Research Institute (MMRI), builds on other studies which have shown people with a shorter version of the MUC1 gene, which produces the MUC1 protein, are at a greater risk of gastric disease.
Associate Professor Phil Sutton, Head of the Immunology and Mucosal Pathogens research group, likens the MUC1 protein to a Christmas tree.
“It has a very long molecule with lots and lots of sugars on it like the pine needles on a Christmas tree.”
It is this length that is critical in the success, or otherwise, of the protein protecting the lining of the stomach from infection by the Helicobacter bacteria, known to cause stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.
“When Helicobacter bacteria enter the stomach and are trying to infect, some of them stick to the surface of the stomach which is lined with the MUC1 protein. What our work suggests is that when the body detects the bacteria sticking onto the MUC1 protein, it chops the protein off.”
This process restricts the number of bacteria that can get through and stick to the surface of the stomach. Fewer bacteria means less chance of infection and therefore an individual’s susceptibility to diseases like gastric cancer and gastric ulcers is decreased.
Shorter versions of the MUC1 gene produce shorter MUC1 protein molecules.
“If you take the MUC1 away, or in humans, if you have a short version of it,” says Associate Professor Sutton,“ it’s easier for the bacteria to get through and stick to the surface.”
In Australia, around 2,000 new cases of gastric cancer are diagnosed each year, with 1,200 persons dying of the disease in the same period. The prevalence of gastric cancer is even greater in parts of Asia, particularly Japan, where it is the number one killing cancer.
Funding for the research project, provided by the National Health and Medical Research Council for a period of three years, finishes this year. Dr Sutton and his team, along with Associate Professor Mike McGuckin from MMRI, have a joint application for more funding under consideration to build on their research.
“We have the theory that MUC1 is preventing access to the surface (of the stomach), but it’s not as simple as that. We have some other data suggesting that it’s going to be a very complex story and we want to really dissect that out. If we can understand why MUC1 is such an important molecule in protecting against the infection and the disease, first, it increases our general understanding of the science and secondly, it might be able to identify people who are at high risk of developing the disease.”
For further information please contact Andrea Jones, Marketing Manager, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Tel: 8344 7844 or email: ajone@unimelb.edu.au