Targeting Cancer’s Sweet Tooth: A New Approach for Aggressive Breast Cancer
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a challenging form of cancer to treat because it doesn’t grow due to hormones, making hormone therapy unsuitable. Researchers are constantly seeking new ways to target this aggressive disease, and recent research conducted by bachelor’s student Dione Blok provides a glimmer of hope.
Dione focused on discovering if switching off cancer cells’ energy source could slow down tumor growth.
Even when oxygen is abundant, cancer cells in TNBC obtain much of their energy from breaking down sugar (glycolysis), a process they use to grow rapidly. “If we can block this energy source, the cells will struggle,” Dione explains. Her research centered on 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a substance that does just that—disrupts energy production from glycolysis in cancer cells.
Blocking Glycolysis Shows Promise
The approach proved effective. “We observed that cell growth diminished, and the cells were more likely to remain in a specific phase of their division cycle,” Dione explains.
This suggests that the cells faced difficulty dividing further, potentially slowing tumor growth.
Different Concentrations, Different Effects
Surprisingly, the results revealed that 2-DG’s effect varied depending on its concentration. “At high concentrations, 2-DG inhibited the spread of cancer cells. However, at low concentrations, the substance actually stimulated cell movement slightly,” Dione notes. This finding suggests that 2-DG’s effectiveness is complex and may depend on carefully calibrated dosages.
“The interaction between energy metabolism and tumor aggressiveness is very intricate,” she adds.
Cancer Cells Adapt
In addition to its effects on cell growth and migration, Dione observed that the cells reorganized their energy production when glycolysis was blocked. Changes were noticeable in the mitochondria, the cell’s “power plants.”
“This indicates that cancer cells attempt to adapt when glycolysis is disrupted,” Dione says.
Such insights could be invaluable in developing new therapies that target tumor energy supply.
Real-Time Insights into the Cell Cycle
One of the most rewarding aspects of Dione’s research was using a technology called FUCCI, which allowed her to monitor the cell cycle in real-time. Each phase of the cell cycle is characterized by distinct proteins. By linking unique proteins to fluorescent proteins, researchers can visualize these phases as they unfold.
“It was fascinating to watch live how the cancer cells responded to the treatment,” Dione says.
Continuing the Fight Against Cancer
Dione has now embarked on a master’s degree in Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences in Leiden, where she continues to work on a research project focused on triple-negative breast cancer.
Her ambition is clear: “I want to contribute to cancer research and delve deeper into the complexities of cancer biology. I hope my work will ultimately lead to better treatments for patients who currently have limited options.”
What were Dione Blok’s main findings regarding the effect of 2-DG concentration on cancer cells?
## Targeting Cancer’s Sweet Tooth: Interview with Researcher Dione Blok
**Host:** Welcome back to the show, today we’re talking about a promising new research avenue for tackling triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease. Joining us is Dione Blok, a bachelor’s student whose research is shedding light on a novel approach. Dione, thanks for being here.
**Dione:** Thanks for having me!
**Host:** So, Dione, can you tell us about the focus of your research?
**Dione:** Triple-negative breast cancer cells are notorious for their rapid growth, and they rely heavily on a process called glycolysis, which essentially means they break down sugar to produce energy, even when oxygen is available. My research looked at whether blocking this energy source could slow down tumor growth.
**Host:** That’s fascinating.
So, what did you find?
**Dione:** I focused on a substance called 2-deoxy-D-glucose, or 2-DG, which interferes with glycolysis. We found that it significantly reduced cancer cell growth, and they seemed to get stuck in a particular phase of their division cycle, making it harder for them to multiply. That’s really promising in terms of potentially slowing tumor progression. [[1](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6176188/)]
**Host:** That’s amazing! It sounds like a potential turning point in how we tackle TNBC.
Were there any surprises along the way?
**Dione:** We were surprised to discover that the effect of 2-DG varied depending on its concentration. At high concentrations, it seemed to induce a stress response in the cells, while lower concentrations appeared to be constantly challenging their energy production, keeping them in check.
**Host:** So, what are the next steps?
**Dione:** This research is still in its early stages, but it definitely warrants further investigation. More studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play and potential side effects. However, the initial results are very encouraging, and it opens up tantalizing possibilities for new treatments for this challenging cancer.
