Researchers of the National Genome Research Network have produced a small protein that can trigger a suicide program in cancer cells. The protein disrupts a signal chain that many cancer cells absolutely need to survive.

Why do white blood cells turn into giant malignant cancer cells? Certain signal transductions including an unusually high quantity of “NF-k B” and “Stat 5a” embed themselves in the central command of the cells and gain control over growth genes.

Professor Duyster and his team examined the dangerous protein "BCR-ABl" for mutations. In some leukemia patients genetic mutations have deformed the docking site for the drug Glivec. This has momentous consequences, because in such cases Glivec can no longer have any effect.

The substance "valproic acid" can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Trials with leukemia cells have already been successful. Now NGFN scientists want to find out what dosage is best suited for the treatment of cancer patients.