Receptor may be cancer accomplice

A receptor protein that shows up on cancerous colon cells might serve as a new target for scientists seeking to derail this malignancy. A study in mice shows that shutting down the receptor slows cancer growth.

The receptor protein is called neuropilin-2 (NRP2). Earlier work hinted that it facilitates the activity of a family of proteins called vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), which dock onto other cell receptors.