In 1993, Rangnekar discovered the gene that codes for Par-4 protein. It is present in all prostate cells. The gene's upregulation causes increased Par-4 protein output when cells are induced to die. However, when we initiated overexpression of the gene, we were able to cause sensitization of these cells. Researchers believe that inducing more Par-4 may cause death in cancer cells that linger after surgery, thus preventing recurrence.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, excluding skin cancer.