Critical discovery in the fight against cancer: The metastasis mechanism of colon cancer is solved
MIT researchers discovered the YAP1 protein, which enables the spread of colon cancer cells, and its relationship with high-fat diet.
Quick Look
MIT scientists discovered the YAP1 protein, which plays a role in the spread of colon cancer, and how a high-fat diet triggers this process through ceramide molecules.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Scientists have uncovered the cellular mechanism that helps colon cancer cells spread to other parts of the body.
A new scientific development has been achieved that could revolutionize the fight against cancer. Scientists have uncovered a critical cellular mechanism that helps colon cancer cells spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.
According to the study conducted by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the USA, cancer cells use a biological system that is normally activated to repair damaged tissues to their advantage. This allows the tumor to easily separate from the main area and spread to other organs.
YAP1 PROTEIN PAVES THE WAY FOR CANCER CELLS
In the research, it was determined that the protein called 'YAP1', which plays a key role in cellular renewal, is a determinant in this process. YAP1 protein, which is activated only during the development period and repair of damaged tissues in healthy tissues, is reactivated by colon cancer cells.
Researchers, who carefully examined different colon cancer models, found that genes controlled by YAP1 were much more active in cancer cells that spread to other organs. When a serious injury or infection occurs in the intestine, the special cellular program that allows the tissue to heal itself is literally taken over by cancer cells, accelerating the progression of the tumor.
THE LINK BETWEEN HIGH-FAT DIET AND THE SPREAD OF CANCER
One of the most striking outcomes of the study was the direct link between nutritional habits and the rate of spread of cancer.
In laboratory experiments, it was determined that a high-fat diet increased the production of fat molecules called 'ceramides'. These molecules disable the defense mechanism that normally suppresses the YAP1 protein. The released protein enters the cell nucleus directly, activating the relevant genes and activating the regeneration program that helps cancer cells spread more strongly.
Additionally, researchers observed that when they targeted YAP1 protein or genes that enable ceramide production in experimental animals, the rate of colon cancer spreading to the liver was significantly reduced.
A NEW TARGET GAINED FOR NEW TREATMENT METHODS
It is stated that the findings provide a critical target in the development of new generation drugs that will prevent metastasis in colon cancer. Experts are focusing on treatment methods that will specifically target enzymes called DEGS1 and DEGS2, which are involved in ceramide production.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
New generation drugs targeting DEGS1 and DEGS2 enzymes will be developed
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- When will new drugs be tested on humans?
- How soon can DEGS1 and DEGS2 enzyme inhibitors be developed?
