AGY Therapeutics Inc announced the publication of studies that have identified a novel target, receptor tyrosine phosphatase zeta or RPTP zeta, for the potential treatment of glioblastoma, the most invasive and aggressive form of brain cancer. The studies provide further evidence of the power of AGY's functional genomics capabilities.

"We have shown that RPTP zeta appears to play a key role in the aggressive migratory and invasive behavior of glioblastomas," said Karoly Nikolich, founder and chief scientific officer of AGY. "Our studies suggest that RPTP zeta is a promising target for antibody-based therapeutic intervention for the effective treatment of this particularly malignant form of brain cancer."

The paper, entitled "A role for receptor tyrosine phosphatase zeta in glioma cell migration," outlines studies by scientists at AGY undertaken in collaboration with the University Hospital Eppendorf in Hamburg, Germany. Comparative analysis of 14 individual glioblastoma tumor samples with normal brain tissue identified 200 genes that were up-regulated in tumor tissue. Detailed analysis of these 200 genes identified RPTP zeta as a potential therapeutic target. Further analysis of glioblastoma tissues showed the abundance of this protein in tumor tissues, and genetic manipulation of glioblastoma cells in culture showed that it was functionally important to cellular migration and therefore of importance to the aggressive malignancy of this tumor type.

Glioblastomas are fast growing tumors derived from cells that constitute the supportive tissue in the brain. These tumors can rapidly invade adjacent normal brain tissue and spread throughout the central nervous system. They account for approximately 12-15% of all intracranial human cancers. A main characteristic of glioblastomas is its extreme migrational potential, which is characterized by the rapid onset and progression of symptoms of neurological and neurocognitive deterioration associated with the fast tumor growth. Current methods of treatment include neurosurgery, chemotherapy, radiation and steroids. The tumor grows quickly, invades nearby healthy tissue, and often recurs after treatment.