Most cancer treatments that have stood the test of time focus on killing cancerous cells. Now, Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho’s research team at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) has discovered a molecular switch that can revert cancerous cells to a normal state. The researchers have used a computational gene network model that uses computer algorithms to simulate and analyze how gene expression levels are influenced by each other, helping scientists avoid conducting an experiment in the lab. The model is based on single-cell RNA sequencing and provides data about key molecular mechanisms behind reversing cancer.
Professor Cho has already been in the spotlight for developing an original technology that could restore the normalcy of cancerous cells. This time, he has unveiled a molecular switch hidden within the genetic network that can reverse cancer just when normal cells transform into cancerous ones. As per the official announcement by KAIST, Professor Cho has developed a fundamental technology to recognize and analyze the critical transition phase when normal cells become cancerous.
A critical transition phase is a sudden change in state, much like water changing into steam right at 100°C. In the cellular aspect, this transition state occurs at a specific point in time when normal cells change into cancer cells due to the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic changes. The researchers discovered an unstable critical state at which cells coexist as both normal and cancerous, and this happens just before normal cells convert to cancer cells during tumor formation or tumorigenesis. The researchers analyzed this state using computational and systems biology methods to develop cancer reversal molecular switch identification technology. The cancer reversal technology was put to the test in molecular cell experiments using colon cancer cells. The cancerous cells reverted to normal cells through this process.
According to Professor Cho, the study revealed the genetic network and the changes that occur within cells behind cancer development, which has been a mystery even in modern times. This research is the first to successfully reveal a vital clue that can reverse the fate of tumorigenesis, which is hidden at the critical moment of change.
Copyright @smorescience. All rights reserved. Do not copy, cite, publish, or distribute this content without permission.
