Researchers have turned cancer cells into muscle tissue
Using genetic editing, researchers have turned sarcoma cells into normal muscle tissue.Researchers have developed genetic editing technology to treat sarcomas, cancerous growths in connective tissue. Disrupting protein synthesis caused the cancer cells to differentiate back into muscle cells.
For their study, the scientists created a new genetic screening technique. They used genome editing to identify proteins that affect the multiplication of cancer cells.
The researchers found that the formation of rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer, is linked to the functioning of the NF-Y protein. When the synthesis of this protein is disrupted, scientists witnessed a striking transformation.
"The cells literally turn into muscle. The tumor loses all of its cancerous characteristics. They mutate from cells that conquer new space to cells responsible for contraction. Because all the energy and resources are devoted to contraction, the cancer cannot return to a state of reproduction," Christopher Wacock, co-author of the study.
The discovered relationship between NF-Y and rhabdomyosarcoma could set off the chain reaction needed for differentiation therapy, a treatment based on restoring tumor cell function. A similar approach could be applied to other types of cancer, the scientists add. More research will be needed to develop the therapy and clinical trials, but the researchers believe that a new method of cancer treatment will soon be available.