RhoB: Gene Key to Treatment of Bone Marrow Disease

The gene RhoB could be a vital element in determining how to treat the bone marrow disease MDS. MDS afflicts 15,000 more people each year in the United States. Research shows that the gene RhoB is key to the progression of the disease. This discovery could point the way to a therapeutic target for late stage MDS.

New genetic models are helping scientists to understand the molecular faults that drive the malignant advancement of MDS. The genes that are the focus of this study may have a part in the development of solid tumors, as well as leukemia.

The RhoB gene manufactures proteins, and a deficiency of these proteins accelerates the progress of the disease. Researchers hope that studying the RhoB gene in patients with advanced MDS will lead them to better treatment alternatives. The aim is to develop new drugs that will affect the RhoB gene and to improve current procedures that often produce negative side effects.

This recent work was developed in sync with earlier insights into how the human body directs the growth of red blood cells.

The breakthrough provides new ways to develop research as more is learned about the cause and effects of MDS.

In MDS, the bone marrow creates an insufficient number of red blood cells. This effect also results in irregular blood cells. The body attacks the irregular cells and depletes an already low blood count. Fatigue, decreased immunity, bruising, bleeding, and more symptoms are the result.

The American cancer society reports that eighty to ninety percent of MDS patients are older than sixty. This makes MDS a serious concern for senior citizens. In approximately one-third of all MDS patients, the disease transforms into acute myeloid leukemia, a rapidly growing bone marrow cancer.

Learning as much as possible about the gene RhoB is key to developing new therapies to treat this awful disease. The models being developed will help us understand MDS on a genetic level, and that is where we can most effectively fight this debilitation of the bone marrow.

Scientist fight this sort of genetic warfare against disease every day. It is because of important discoveries like these that there is real hope for eventually winning the war against MDS and blood cancers entirely.

Resources:
Article: Researchers link RhoB gene to bone marrow disease

Wikipedia: Rho Family of GTPases