Scientists identify major source of cells' defense against oxidative stress, could improve cancer treatment

Both radiation and many forms of chemotherapy try to kill tumors by causing oxidative stress in their cells. New research from the University of Southern California (USC) on a protein that protects cancer and other cells from these stresses could one day help doctors to break down cancer cells' defenses, making them more susceptible to treatment. Scientists led by USC Professor Kelvin J. A. Davies demonstrated that a protein known as Nrf2 governs a cell's ability to cope with oxidative stress by increasing the expression of key genes for removing damaged proteins. Typically, oxidative stress is to be avoided. Illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer disease are all linked to oxidative stress. But in the case of cancer cells, if the Nrf2 response could some day be selectively turned off, treatments like chemotherapy and radiation could be more effective, Davies said.