A cancer resistant mouse was developed by researchers at the University of Kentucky. The key factor is the Par-4 protein, which prevents cancer by selectively destroying cancerous cells. To produce the cancer resistant mice, scientists took a Par-4 gene, inserted it into fertilized mouse eggs and implanted them into a surrogate mouse. The grown mice proved to be resistant to head, neck, breast and pancreatic cancer, despite the breed itself being susceptible to cancer.ScienceDaily: Cancer-Resistant Mouse Developed... (November 28, 2007)
The Par-4 Protein
The prostate apoptosis response-4 protein, or Par-4, was first discovered while studying prostate cancer in 1993. The protein induces cancerous cells to self destruct without affecting normal cells.ZDNet: A cancer-resistant mouse?
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Fast Facts
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Protein found in the prostate
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Par-4 gene passed to mouse offspring
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Par-4 mice lived longer
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Possible application in bone marrow transplants
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Par-4 stands for "prostate apoptosis response-4"
