Protein may increase risk of tumor

ST. LOUIS, Aug 11, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- A protein that protects the body from tissue damage also increases the risk of tumors, according to St. Louis researchers.

Researchers of the Washington University School of Medicine say moderate reduction of the protein level protects against tumor formation but increases susceptibility to tissue injury.

Because of its protective function in the body, the protein potentially could be used to selectively shield cells from toxic therapies, according to senior author Dr. Steven J. Weintraub, an investigator with the Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

"We earlier found that Bcl-xL helps the body's healthy cells survive the effects of toxic chemotherapeutic agents," says Weintraub. "This new study clearly demonstrates a trade-off by showing that normal levels of Bcl-xL encourage the growth of tumors in mice exposed to a carcinogen."

The study is published in Oncogene's advance online publication.