About the molecular basis for transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils
Channel: alda21alda21
Date: 2019-01-16

Extended video explaining the study by Kosack et al. Cancer Cell 2019 about the molecular basis for transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils.

Tasmanian devils are threatened with extinction by a horizontally transmitted cancer termed devil facial tumor disease (DFTD). In this study by Kosack et al., an integrative systems-wide approach identified the ERBB-STAT3 signaling axis as a central molecular driver of DFTD. These results extend our understanding of the molecular wiring of this peculiar cancer and provide an explanation for why horizontally transmitted DFTD cells are not rejected by the immune system. Pharmacological interference with the ERBB-STAT3 signaling axis may provide a much-needed addition to the ongoing efforts to save Tasmanian devils from transmissible cancer.

Link to study (Open Access): https://www.cell.com/cancer-cell/fulltext/S1535-6108(18)30539-7