Anti-cancer cells
Researchers at the University of Southampton, working under the leadership of Professor Ali Tavassoli, have created modified cells with a built-in genetic chain that ensures the production of a molecule that suppresses the ability of tumors to survive and grow in their characteristic microenvironment with a low content of oxygen and nutrients.
Due to the rapid growth, the oxygen demand of malignant tumors quickly begins to exceed the capabilities of the blood vessels surrounding them, so malignant cells are forced to adapt to an oxygen-depleted environment.
It is believed that this adaptation is mainly due to an increase in the concentration inside cancer cells of a protein known as hypoxia-induced factor-1 (from the English Hypoxia-inducible factor 1, HIF-1). This protein reacts to a decrease in oxygen levels by triggering many changes in cellular functions, including modification of metabolism and the release of signals that stimulate the formation of new blood vessels.
The authors set out to study in more detail the role of the HIF-1 protein in the development of cancer, as well as the potential use of inhibition of this protein in oncology. To do this, they created a human cell line with an additional genetic chain that ensures the production of HIF-1 inhibitor (a cyclic molecule of six amino acids) under hypoxia conditions.
As the authors expected, experiments with these cells demonstrated their ability to produce a HIF-1 inhibitor that suppresses the ability of cells to survive and grow in nutrient-depleted conditions.
The next stage of the work will be to demonstrate the suitability of this approach for the production and delivery of an antitumor molecule in a model of an entire tumor. According to Professor Tavassoli, the main value of the work carried out is that its results cancel the need for the synthesis of HIF-1 inhibitor and will allow biologists to delve into the study of the functions of this molecule in the development of cancer. Among other things, it will help to understand whether the suppression of HIF-1 functions is sufficient to block tumor growth in the corresponding models. Another interesting aspect of the work is the demonstration of the possibility of equipping human cells with mechanisms that ensure the synthesis of therapeutic agents in response to signals indicating the development of the disease.
The article by Ishna N. Mistry, Ali Tavassoli Reprogramming the Transcriptional Response to Hypoxia with a Chromosomally Encoded Cyclic Peptide HIF-1 Inhibitor is published in the journal ACS Synthetic Biology.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of the University of Southampton: Human cells with a 'built-in circuit' help prevent tumour growth.
28.11.2016