Scientists have shed more light on a vital cluster of proteins that helps cells – including cancer cells – to move around the body, according to research published in Nature Cell Biology.

The discovery by scientists at The Francis Crick Institute, funded by Cancer Research UK, could potentially lead to more targeted drugs to help stop cancer in its tracks.

Researchers focused on a key cluster of proteins – called the Arp2/3 complex – that’s found in all cells and plays an essential role in how they move and work.

It helps build a microscopic mesh within cells that allows them to move and gives them their shape.

It was thought that this complex – made up of seven smaller proteins stuck together – was unique.

But the scientists unravelled more about how the smaller proteins work and have discovered that there are actually eight versions of the complex, each with different properties.

Future research could now focus on whether different versions of the complex are made by the body as cancer develops or progresses, or if certain complex types are more common in specific types of the disease.

Study co-author Dr Michael Way, group leader at The Francis Crick Institute, said: “It’s important that cells are healthy and can move around the body – and Arp2/3 plays a vital role in making this happen. But this mobility can backfire when cancer cells spread to form new tumours.

“Our research shows that this essential group of proteins is more complex than we thought, with different types working in slightly different ways. If it’s discovered through future research that particular types are specifically involved in cancer, targeted drugs could potentially be developed that block them and leave healthy cells alone.”

Nell Barrie, senior science communications manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Understanding how cells change shape and move is crucial for tackling cancer and stopping it from spreading. And if cancer cells use different versions of these proteins then future drugs may be able to target this hidden weakness.”

Reference

Abella, Galloni, Pernier et al. Isoform diversity in the Arp2/3 complex determines actin filament dynamics, Nature Cell Biology, Published online 14 December 2015

Source: Cancer Research UK