Study in Cell by Magen BioSciences Co-Founder David E. Fisher Identifies New Roles in Skin Cancer Prevention for Key Tumor Suppressor Protein.-- Protein Also Encourages Sun-Seeking Behavior in Humans -- CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Magen BioSciences, Inc., a specialty dermatology company, today announced the publication of a paper in the March 9, 2007 issue of the journal Cell by its co-founder and board member, David E. Fisher, M.D., Ph.D., that identifies two new functions for an important protein, p53, in the pigmentation of skin. Fisher's study shows that in addition to its function as a tumor suppressor in other cancers in the body, p53 also plays a key role in prompting the skin to tan in response to ultraviolet light from the sun. By promoting tanning, p53 deters the development of the skin cancer melanoma, which is increasing in incidence faster than any other cancer in the world. Fisher's research also shows that p53 causes the production of an endorphin endorphin Any of a group of proteins occurring in the brain and having pain-relieving properties typical of opium and related opiates. Discovered in the 1970s, they include enkephalin, beta-endorphin, and dynorphin. after ultraviolet exposure, and this may modulate sensation in the skin in a manner that influences behaviors, possibly including sun-seeking behaviors. For Magen BioSciences, the study in Cell provides important proof of concept for the company's approach to identify and develop therapeutic treatments for pigmentation disorders. "We know that people who tan easily or have dark pigmentation are far less likely to develop melanoma," said David Fisher, with the Dana-Faber Cancer Institute. "This study suggests that p53, one of the best-known tumor-suppressor proteins in our body, goes into action when skin cells experience UV exposure, prompting the skin to tan as a defensive mechanism against DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. damage and at the same time creating endorphins endorphins (ĕndôr`fĭnz), neurotransmitters found in the brain that have pain-relieving properties similar to morphine. There are three major types of endorphins: beta endorpins, found primarily in the pituitary gland; and enkephalins and that may alter sensation or even behavior." "Dr. Fisher's discovery of this new function for a well-known protein sheds new light on the mechanism and function of tanning," said Brian Gallagher, Ph.D., Magen's president and chief executive officer. "This discovery will help Magen BioSciences identify lead compounds and develop therapeutic treatments for disfiguring dermatological pigmentation disorders such as vitiligo vitiligo or leukoderma Skin disorder manifested by smooth, white spots on various parts of the body. Though the pigment-making cells of the skin, or melanocytes, are structurally intact, they have lost the ability to synthesize the pigment. , melasma, solar lentigos and post-inflammation hyperpigmentation Hyperpigmentation Definition Hyperpigmentation is the increase in the natural color of the skin. Description Melanin, a brown pigment manufactured by certain cells in the skin called melanocytes, is responsible for skin color. ." About Magen BioSciences Magen BioSciences is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing proprietary medical therapies for the dermatology market. Magen was co-founded in March 2006 by Richard Aldrich, David Fisher, M.D. Ph.D., Phillip Sharp, Ph.D., David Shaw, Christopher Walsh, Ph.D. and Christoph Westphal, M.D., Ph.D. Investors include Alexandria Real Estate, ARCH Venture Partners, Highland Capital Partners Highland Capital Partners is a global venture capital firm with offices located in Boston, Silicon Valley, Geneva, and Shanghai. Since its inception in 1988, the firm has invested in more than 180 early and growth stage companies and taken a sector-focused approach to investing in , IDG IDG International Data Group IDG Integrated Drive Generator IDG Installation Design Guide IDG Internet Discussion Group IDG Inset Dielectric Guide IDG International Dangerous Goods (mail, shipping) Ventures, Lux Capital, QVT QVT Query/View/Transform (software development) QVT Queries Views Transformations Financial LP, TVM Capital and Venrock Associates. |
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