Powerful but tiny cancer fighters
Spring 2011
£65,291 for a local research project into tiny molecules known as microRNAs involved in breast cancer and angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels).
Abnormal growth in angiogensis (either too much or too little) is seen as a 'common denominator' in many diseases including cancer.
Discovered in the last decade, microRNAs are vitally important in cancer as they have both oncogenic (cancer-causing) and tumour suppressing abilities.
This locally worked project may help to create new therapies and diagnostic tools as well as shedding some light on how the cancer develops.