As our bodies convert food into energy, they produce debris that accumulates as we age. New research shows that one of these metabolic throwaways plays a potentially deadly role in the development of cancer.
The finding adds to a body of knowledge about the ways in which the ageing process accelerates our chances of developing deadly cancers, but also offers potential avenues for blocking metastasising tumours.
The study, published Wednesday in the Journal Nature, grew from work on metastasis, the process by which cancer cells detach from an initial tumour and former new tumours elsewhere in the body.
Observations of metastasising cells revealed something intriguing -- a high level of something called methylmalonic acid (MMA), a metabolic byproduct that appears to accumulate as we get older.
To examine whether MMA might play a role in metastasis, the scientists examined how lung and breast cancer tumour cells behaved when exposed to blood samples taken from people aged 30 and younger, or 60 and older.
In 25 of the 30 blood samples from younger donors, the cancer cells displayed no change, but in 25 of the 30 older blood samples, the cells started to display different characteristics.
They developed increased "migratory and invasive capacity", as well as resistance to two drugs often used to treat cancers, the study found.
When the cells were injected into mice, they produced metastatic tumours in the lungs.
So how does MMA induce these changes in cancer cells? The key seems to be in a sort of reprogramming that "switches on" a gene called SOX4.
Prior research has shown SOX4 encourages cancer cells to become more aggressive and prone to metastasis.
- 'A lot to do' -
To test whether it was indeed SOX4 that was altering the qualities of the cancer cells, the team blocked expression of the gene, and found that MMA no longer appeared to have the same effect.
Blocking SOX4 also stopped the process by which the cancer cells were able to resist two cancer treatments.
"This discovery is the beginning of many investigations in many different directions," said John Blenis, a professor of pharmacology at Weill Cornell Medicine, who led the research.
"But our hope overall is that we'll be able eventually to develop therapies to reduce MMA levels and thereby reduce cancer mortality," Blenis said in a statement issued by Weill Cornell Medicine.
There are still a lot of unanswered questions, including why MMA accumulates with age, and whether the mechanism that the researchers observed in the blood samples and in mice would be the same in humans.
The blood samples used were also all taken from men, and among the avenues Blenis hopes to research further is whether MMA accumulation has the same effects in women.
"It's a brand-new discovery, and we still have a lot to do to follow it up," Blenis said.
But there are already some promising potential ways that the findings could influence treatment.
MMA accumulation is linked to high-protein diets, so it is possible that a low-protein diet might help cancer patients respond better.
In theory, drugs that reduce MMA levels might also have a role to play, potentially reducing the aggressive spread of cancers in patients.
AFP RELAXNEWS
Fri Aug 21 2020
Could future drugs that reduce MMA levels potentially reduce the aggressive spread of cancers in patients. AFPRelaxpic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.