Cancer cells destroy themselves through gene editing

New method in cancer treatment

Scientists have developed a modular device that turns cancer cells into Trojan horses genetic circuit by creating, to destroy themselves and enabled them to kill drug-resistant cancer cells. The key innovation here involves the introduction of two genes, or two new “switches.” first keyallowing engineered genetically modified cells to outcompete, or rather dominate, the rest of the cancer cell population when exposed to a particular drug. second key it then releases a toxin that kills the now-dominant modified cells along with their unmodified neighbors.

Nature BiotechnologyThis technique, published in and applied for a patent, overcomes a fundamental challenge with current cancer treatments. It is known that cancer cells survive treatment They can develop resistance mechanisms. Therefore, after a while, they may become resistant to the drugs used for treatment. To counter this, doctors often use combinations of drugs that attack tumors in different ways. However, these options are quite limited in cancers that are difficult to treat.

The team to see if this technique would work. lung cancer based field experiments on mice carried out. As a result of the experiments, a handful of engineered cells were able to take over the cancer cell population and eliminate high levels of genetic heterogeneity. Genetically modified cells according to research paper within 20 days became dominant from the original cells. On the 80th day, the tumors completely regressed.. Researchers are currently working on how to translate this genetic circuit so that it can be delivered safely and selectively into growing tumors and eventually metastatic disease.

Source

https://www.techspot.com/news/103738-scientists-trick-cancer-cells-self-destructing-through-genetic.html

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-024-02271-7

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