Scientists have discovered a key protein, ADAMTS5, that plays a critical role in the spread of ovarian cancer, offering a potential new target for therapy. The study revealed that ADAMTS5 levels are significantly elevated in ovarian cancer tumors, particularly in those associated with a protein called Rab25, which is linked to aggressive disease progression. ADAMTS5 facilitates cancer cell movement by breaking down the extracellular matrix — the structural network that supports cells — allowing the tumor to invade nearby tissues.
Researchers demonstrated in lab experiments that blocking ADAMTS5 activity halted the spread of ovarian cancer cells, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Lead scientist Dr. Elena Rainero emphasized that these findings could lead to the development of drugs specifically designed to inhibit this protein and prevent metastasis. With further research, targeting ADAMTS5 may become a promising strategy to combat one of the most lethal forms of gynecologic cancer. Click for More Details
