CCMB unraveles gene silencing mystery

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad has unraveled the mystery behind gene silencing paving the way for detecting the mechanisms that prevents cancer in human beings.

Dr. Manika Pal Bhadra and Utpal Bhadra first demonstrated that gene silencing is involved in heterochromatin which is required for rapid cell division; these results have already been published in the prestigious journal science (2004). In continuation to their work they recently found that several micro RNAs are involved in heterochromatin formation. Diseases coupled with cell division and cell proliferation, such as various types of Cancers, appear to be controlled by heterochromatin formation and its functioning. Understanding the role of gene silencing through micro RNAs thus might pave a way to use it as a possible therapy for cancers and other related diseases, which involve cell cycle controls.

Several measures are being taken in the direction of the development of therapy for cancer. Besides, preparing a detailed progress report for the application of these results for cancer treatment Scientists at CCMB have also prepared a detailed document for patent application The programme as part of R&D activity of CCMB is receiving necessary financial support.

This information was given by Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister of State for Science and Technology and Ocean Development in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

Source : Ministry of Science & Technology
Date : August 11, 2005