Purdue News PhotosPurdue News Photos
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These two images show the development of human cells with (left) and without (right) the normal concentration of the protein Ras in their cell membranes. The cells on the right have the protein Ras scattered throughout their cytoplasm, in contrast with the normally developed cells on the left. The absence of the enzyme Icmt prevents Ras from lodging in the membrane, where it ordinarily performs tasks vital to cellular reproduction. Purdue research suggests that preventing Icmt from interacting with Ras during the protein's development may inhibit the runaway cell growth that is characteristic of cancer, thus leading to new approaches to treating several forms of the disease.
(M. Bergo, Journal of Biological Chemistry)
The story accompanying this image can be seen by clicking this link to Henriksen.ras
For more information about photographs, send e-mail to:
David Umberger
Associate Director
Purdue News Service
umberger@purdue.edu
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