New mechanism in cancer development identified
A new discovery at the emergence of cancer paves the way to improved cancer therapies. According to a recent study, a previously unknown mechanism is to be found in around 90 percent of all cancer cells promote tumor formation.
A joint working group from various institutions in Singapore has one new mechanism of cancer progression identified, which might be observed in 90 percent of cancer cells. The discovery provides the basis for new cancer treatments with fewer side effects. The results were recently published in the journal “Nucleic Acid Research“ published.
Why healthy cells cannot divide indefinitely
As the researchers explain, the lifespan of healthy cells is increased by what are known as Telomere definitely. These act like a kind of protective cap on the ends of the chromosomes. With each cell division, these telomeres become shorter, eventually losing their protective function, and the cell then dies naturally.
Cancer cells reverse this process
Cancer cells, on the other hand, have a mechanism that allows them to reelongate telomeres, giving them the ability to self-relocate share indefinitely and to be able to multiply.
The cancer cells do this by reactivating an enzyme known as Telomerase referred to as. In healthy adult cells, this enzyme is inactive. According to the study, the cancer cells reactivate telomerase via a gene called “humane Telomerase Reverse Transkriptase (hTERT)“.
“Activation of telomerase is the most common oncogenic event that confers immortality on cancer cells”confirms research director Semih Akincilar vom Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) in Singapur.
Excellent candidates for fighting cancer cells
hTERT is activated in around 90 percent of all cancer cells. So it’s a universal mechanism drives cancer. The working group therefore believes that the gene and the enzyme telomerase are excellent candidates for fighting cancer cells.
However, previous attempts to treat cancer by inhibiting telomerase were unsuccessful because the active ingredients used were toxic to healthy cells and therefore led to severe side effects.
Mechanism for hTERT gene activation identified
As part of the current study, the researchers from Singapore have now succeeded in identifying a specific DNA structure that only in cancer cells forms. This structure sets in motion the necessary molecular machinery to activate the hTERT gene.
The scientists involved were thus able to reveal the point of attack, which only affects cancer cells and not healthy cells. On this basis, new drugs might be developed that specifically inhibit the division of cancer cells, but do not affect healthy cells.
Next-generation cancer inhibitors
“We now know how we can inhibit telomerase activity to target cancer cells”concludes Akincilar. According to him, the study results are a guide for the development of new next-generation cancer inhibitors. (vb)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Author:
Graduate editor (FH) Volker Blasek
Sources:
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research: New discovery in cancer progression paves way to combat cancer (veröffentlicht: 20.07.2022), eurekalert.org
- Semih Can Akıncılar, Joelle Yi Heng Chua, Qin Feng Ng, et al.: Identification of mechanism of cancer-cell-specific reactivation of hTERT offers therapeutic opportunities for blocking telomerase specifically in human colorectal cancer; in: Nucleic Acid Research (2022), academic.oup.com
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.
