Discovered that blocking SCC causes convergence extension defect

Dr. Bon-chu Chung

Cell movement controls many processes such as embryo development, wound healing, neural development, etc.. People have been searching for ways to control cell movement, e.g. to accelerate cell migration to promote wound healing or neural regeneration. In cases like the treatment of cancer metastasis, we need to stop cell movement. So far only large protein molecules have been found to control cell movement. Yet these proteins have limited use because they are difficult to handle. Right now a small steroid molecule called pregnenolone, or in short P5, has been found to control cell movement by research team led by Dr. Bon-chu Chung. P5 can stabilize microtubule and promote cell movement during zebrafish embryogenesis, indicating great potential for disease treatment.