Scientists from InSilico Medicine and its partners successfully established a visual mapping of the molecular pathway cancer progression originating from myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC). The damage and immune suppression the cells cause are not fully understood, however this is a major stepping stone in creating necessary transparency. Highly cited MetaCoreTM was the primary interactome analysis tool used for mapping, providing these promising results.
"MDSCs are elicited by tumor-derived factors from precursors present in hematopoietic organs such as the bone marrow and possibly spleen. This population of cells suppresses the activity of various types of immune cells and contributes to tumor progression by promoting tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. But the key transcriptional regulators of MDSC are still poorly defined. Alex and colleagues used bioinformatic tools to investigate the pathway interactome maps in colon and breast cancer models. Several proliferation and invasion-related pathways were identified in infiltrating MDSC. It opens a door to new therapy targeting MDSC in these diseases. " says Qingsong Zhu, COO of InSilico Medicine, Inc.
Source: InSilico Medicine, Inc.