KINDLINS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: A new study has investigated the influence of Kindlins adapter proteins that exist inside cells of vertebrates, in various cancers.

Kindlins:

• About: These are adapter proteins that exist inside the cells attached to the cell membranes of almost all types of cells in vertebrates.
• Signal Transduction: They transfer mechanical cues from the extracellular environment into biochemical signals within the cells, interacting with structural proteins, receptors, and transcription factors.
• Impact of Structural Disruptions: Structural disruptions in Kindlins can significantly affect mechano-chemical signaling, impacting the balance of body systems crucial for survival and proper function.
• Homeostasis: This balance is referred to as homeostasis, and disruptions can lead to severe physiological consequences.
• Mutations and Cancer Risk:

o Influence of Carcinogens: Kindlins can undergo mutations due to various chemical and physical carcinogens, such as nicotine and ultraviolet rays.

o Cancer Development: Mutated Kindlins may disrupt cellular mechanical homeostasis, potentially leading to cancer cell growth. Understanding these genetic alterations is crucial for deciphering cancer mechanisms.

Research Efforts:

• Data Collection: Researchers at S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata, analyzed data from 10,000 patients with 33 cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas.
• Objective: Their goal is to investigate the role of Kindlins in the transformation of normal cells into cancerous ones.