Accomplice of metastases

Scientists have found a button to block cancer metastasis

Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+

Researchers from France have determined that one protein plays a crucial role in preventing the death of cancer cells. If it is affected, it is possible to stop the process of tumor growth and the spread of cancer in the embryo. Moreover, there is a high probability that this mechanism is universal for all types of cancer.

Article by Mason et al. SGK1 signaling promotes glucose metabolism and survival in extracellular matrix detached cells published in the journal Cell Reports – VM.

Experiments of scientists from The University of Notre Dame has shown that the SGK1 protein may be the main regulator for the process during which malignant cells consume nutrients. If this process is disrupted, it can be possible to prevent cancer metastasis, the authors believe.

Mainly, cancer cells absorb glucose, which helps them survive after separation from the extracellular matrix. Non-malignant cells often die when separated from the extracellular matrix, but in the case of cancerous cells, everything happens differently due to the activity of SGK1. The protein contributes to their survival, which means it increases the likelihood of tumor growth and metastasis.

Cancer mortality in the vast majority of cases is caused by cancer metastases to other organs.

For example, a breast tumor often spreads by metastases to the brain and in order to gain a foothold there, cancer cells must adapt to a new environment.

"If we understand exactly how potentially metastatic cancer cells survive in a new environment, then it will be possible to block these pathways and selectively cause cell death," explained the author of the work, Zachary Schafer. According to him, there are circumstances unique to cancer cells in which SGK1 plays a crucial role. The search for a vulnerable place in these conditions will open up new opportunities in cancer treatment, Schafer is sure.

The findings are based on long-term experiments on breast and colon cancer models, but scientists believe that the discovery applies to many types of tumors. Now they intend to test various therapeutic compounds that could block the activity of SGK1 and thereby prevent metastasis.

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