Key signaling protein identified as possible target for new therapies in hard-to-treat cancers

The unique signaling protein known as TRPM7 can stimulate and interact with an important cellular signaling hub called the AKT machinery, which is a well-known component of multiple cellular functions that drive growth and proliferation. This interaction causes a significant increase in the gene expression of COX-2, an important pro-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic gene that is highly expressed in cancer cells and typically coincides with poor prognosis.