Findings Reported in Cancer Research
SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers from Myriad Genetics
have discovered that a gene called MKK4 (Mitogen-Activated Protein
Kinase Kinase 4), may perform a major role as a tumor suppressor. The
findings, published in today"s issue of the journal Cancer Research,
suggest that the cell signal transduction gene is important in the
process of preventing tumors from initially forming. The MKK4 gene,
involved in colon, breast, pancreatic and testicular cancers, is
believed to signal a cell to stop growing and to proceed through
routine elimination by programmed cell death, or apoptosis. If damaged,
the MKK4 gene can no longer perform it"s role of preventing cells from
dividing out of control. By circumventing apoptosis, cells become
cancerous, progressing to form malignant tumors. Myriad believes
further investigation may demonstrate that cell signal transduction is
a significant new pathway for cancer research.
Previously, the MKK4 gene was only suspected of playing a minor role in
cell regulation. The new report promotes the gene to an elite group of
fewer than two dozen known tumor suppressors, performing a task so
essential that without it, the process of cancer progression can begin.
"As a cell regulatory control pathway gene, MKK4 represents an
intriguing target for antitumor therapeutic development", said Dr.
David Teng, the paper"s co-leading author along with Dr. William Perry,
both of Myriad Genetics. "If a damaged MKK4 gene"s function could be
restored through gene replacement or augmentation, one primary step
potentially leading to cancer might be eliminated."
The cancer genetics group at Myriad, previously responsible for
discoveries of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 breast and ovarian cancer genes as
well as the MMAC1 brain and many other cancers gene will proceed with
development of the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of the MKK4
gene.
Myriad Genetics, Inc., based in Salt Lake City, is a genomics company
and genetic testing company focused on the discovery and
commercialization of genes involved in major common disorders,
including cancer, cardiovascular disease and central nervous system
disorders. The Company is involved in strategic alliances with
Schering-Plough, Novartis, Bayer and Eli Lilly and Co.
Myriad"s news releases are available on the corporate website at
www.myriad.com.
The discussion in this news release includes forward-looking statements
based on management"s current expectations. Factors that could cause
future results to differ materially from such expectations include:
intense competition related to the discovery of disease-related genes;
the Company"s limited marketing and sales experience and the risk that
BRACAnalysis(TM) and other tests which the Company develops may not be
able to be marketed at acceptable prices or receive commercial
acceptance in the Company"s target markets; uncertainty as to whether
there will exist adequate reimbursement for the Company"s service from
the government, private healthcare insurers and third-party payers; and
uncertainties as to the extent of future government regulation of the
Company"s business.
SOURCE Myriad Genetics
-0- 10/1/97 /CONTACT: William A. Hockett,
Director of Corporate Communications of Myriad Genetics, Inc.,
801-584-3600/
CO: Myriad Genetics ST: Utah IN: MTC SU: |
