Merlin casts spell on proliferation protein

The tactic that the protein Merlin uses to prevent tumors isn't magical, but it is unique, as Curto et al. report on page 893. The protein locks up a growth-inducing receptor in the membrane so that it can't broadcast its signals. The results suggest a possible way to combat some hard-to-treat cancers.

Like its mythological namesake, Merlin is powerful and mysterious. Its gene, NF2, goes awry in several cancers. But researchers didn't know how Merlin checks cell proliferation. Some evidence pointed to an interaction with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which spurs cells to divide. In fruit flies, for example, the Merlin and EGFR pathways intersect.

To determine whether Merlin targets EGFR, the researchers compared the receptor's activity in normal cells and cells lacking Merlin. As the culture...