Receptor may be cancer accomplice
By Nathan Seppa
A receptor protein that shows up on cancerous colon cells might serve as a new target for scientists seeking to derail this malignancy. A study in mice shows that shutting down the receptor slows cancer growth.
The receptor protein is called neuropilin-2 (NRP2). Earlier work hinted that it facilitates the activity of a family of proteins called vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), which dock onto other cell receptors. The VEGF proteins are best known for promoting signaling in blood vessel-lining cells that boost new vessel growth.