This is the blog for GW students taking Human Evolutionary Genetics. This site is for posting interesting tidbits on: the patterns and processes of human genetic variation;human origins and migration; molecular adaptations to environment, lifestyle and disease; ancient and forensic DNA analyses; and genealogical reconstructions.

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Thursday, March 5, 2020

NRF2 negatively regulates primary ciliogenesis and Hh signaling -Plos Biology Update #2 A. Williams


The hyperactivation of the NRF2, a transcription factor involved in protein homeostasis signaling, pathway is known to cause tumor progression through rapid proliferation of cells and increased survivability of these cells under harsh conditions. It is also known for being resistant to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer patients. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms behind its networks is key in treating patients. The researchers found that not only was NRF2 negatively involved in primary ciliogenesis, the building of organelles involved in extracellular cell signaling through increased expression of p26/SQSTM1 (an autophagy), but also up regulates PTCH1, a negative regulator of Hh signaling which controls development, cell fate, and cell renewal. Critically, the researchers discovered that the destruction of p26 and PTCH1 together was sufficient in stopping NRF2's effects on tumor progression and could be a viable way of treating patients in the future.

-A. Williams

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3000620

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