Protein may protect against Liver Disease

A recent study from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that a particular protein in the body, TAK1, may prevent certain liver damage and disease, including inflammation, cancer, and fibrosis.  Understanding this protein and how it operates may better equip medical professionals and scientists to diagnose the disease and possibly find a cure.  TAK1 is a type of protein that is responsible for regulating cell activities, including cell growth.  The researchers knew that TAK1 activates one protein that promoted liver health and protected against liver disease and cancer.  It produces another protein that promotes cell growth and cancer, therefore, the researchers wanted to determine whether TAK1 was responsible for promoting or protecting liver disease and cancer.

To determine the influence of TAK1, the researchers developed a mouse model that lacked the TAK1 protein.  They discovered an increased rate of liver cell death in the models lacking the protein.  The livers overcompensated for the lack of TAK1, producing too many liver cells, causing inflammation, liver damage, fibrosis, and liver cancer.  The researchers hope to find out if TAK1 plays a role in cancer and disease in other organs as well.  According to the team, they want to determine whether a particular drug or therapy affects fibrosis, disease, and cancer in the liver.  The research regarding TAK1 may open doors to new therapy for those suffering from liver disease and cancer.  New treatment options may become available if more tests regarding this protein are conducted.