Anti-ageing gene 'may help suppress tumours'

A joint University of Michigan Health System and Harvard Medical School research shows loss of the SIRT6 protein in mice increases the number, size and aggressiveness of tumours. besides promoting tumour growth in human colon and pancreatic cancers.

"It is critical to understand the spectrum of genes that suppress tumour development," said co-senior author David Lombard.

"Our research suggests SIRT6 may have a critical role in blocking cancer and controlling cellular metabolism. We hope to build on this work to better understand how this protein suppresses tumour development, and provide insight into potential future means of reprogramming cancer metabolism," he said in a statement.

The new research highlights the role SIRT6 plays in dampening cancer growth by repressing aerobic glycolysis