The Barometer Online

Issue date: 5/7/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Cory Reed OSU assistant pharmacy professors Gitali Indra and Arup Indra research the relationship between head and neck cancers and the transcription factor Ctip2.

Scientists at Oregon State are continuing their revolutionary research concerning the transcription factor "Ctip2."

Researchers in the College of Pharmacy have discovered information vital to the treatment and diagnosis of head and neck cancers. With a $1.5 million grant offered by the National Institutes of Health, OSU scientists discovered a relationship between aggressive natures of head and neck cancers and the expression of Ctip2.

"We looked specifically at head and neck cancers from collected samples of different patients in different stages of cancer. We noticed that in the earlier stages of cancer, Ctip2 expression was lower. As we began to look at later stages of cancer, it was noticeable that the expression levels were much higher," said Gitali Indra, an assistant professor of pharmacy.

This newest development in Ctip2 studies can lead to earlier detection of head and neck cancers, giving patients a better chance of survival.

"These types of cancer are generally diagnosed at a later stage. By looking at the Ctip2 expression in patients, we can help identify the earlier stages of cancer. The doctors can have a look and have a biopsy taken, and by looking at the expression, we'll be able to warn off aggressive tumors," Gitali Indra said.

Scientists plan to continue their research with Ctip2 in order to develop a better understanding of its relationship with head and neck cancers. Ctip2 could provide more efficient means for preventing and treating certain types of cancer.

"We are planning to analyze many more [cancer] samples before and after treatment to see how the Ctip2 affects those," Gitali Indra said. "We can come out with a Ctip2-based treatment where we use a Ctip2 antibody to log the expression so that the patient has a better chance to get rid of the tumor and therefore has a better survival rate."

The recent studies were done in part with the Cancer Institute in France. Researchers with the institute and scientists at OSU have been collaborating information concerning Ctip2 and head and neck cancers.

"It should help earlier detection. That's the most important thing. With more research, we will be able to identify these cancers at an early stage and help in efficient and better treatment," said Arup Indra, a lead researcher on the Ctip2 studies.

So far, scientists have discovered correlations between Ctip2 and the growth of tooth enamel and skin development, and now its relation to cancer.

"We have a lot more to learn about the transcription factor," Arup Indra said.

Catilin Cagle, staff writer

news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231

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