Ronin role for acquired brain injury patientsRSS Feed

Brain injury patients suffering from tumours could have a better chance treatment after scientists in the US found how a type of protein regulator controls cell growth.

The team from Baylor College of Medicine identified how Ronin and its co-regulator Hcf-1 bind to a tiny strand of DNA known as a hyperconserved enhancer element to control the growth of stem cells.

What they found was that the Ronin element first binds to the DNA strand and then recruits the Hcf-1 co-regulator. It is only if the Ronin protein manages this that the rapid growth that characterises stem cells is achieved.

This rapid growth is similar to the way in which cancers and tumours invade the body - offering a key insight into acquired brain injuries.

Dr Thomas P Zwaka believes that the research could lead to better strategies for fighting tumours.

"It is important to understand what underlies this prolific growth," he said.

The study comes in the light of a possible antibody treatment for brain injury patients.

A team from the University of Western Ontario is developing an intravenous therapy that may help limit swelling on the brain following a traumatic brain injury.

News brought to you by Serious Law, specialists in acquired brain injury

Posted by Paul Breen

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