November 14, 2010

Key Enzyme Gene Variations Linked to Prostate Cancer

Recently, researchers at the National Institutes of Health reported that variations in a gene for an enzyme involved in cell energy metabolism appear to increase the risk for prostate cancer. The genetic variations all impair the enzyme phosphodiesterase 11A (PDE11A), which helps regulate a cell's responses to hormones and other signals. Previous studies by this group have linked genetic variations that inactivate PDE11A with increased susceptibility to testicular cancer and adrenal tumors. In a new Web video, the study's senior author, Constantine Stratakis, M.D., D.Sc., acting director of the Intramural Research program at the NICHD, discusses the study's findings