Study sheds light on how cells in the body can sense cancer
Fresh insights into how cells alert the body when they are in danger of becoming cancerous have been revealed in a study.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have discovered that regular cells can take on characteristics of immune cells, which can send warning signs when they are stressed or in danger.
The mechanism is par t of the body’s system for removing older cells, a natural part of the ageing process, known as senescence.
Researchers say the system may also help the body detect cancer cells so oner, s o that they can be removed before tumours form.
Senescence stops cells from dividing and prevents damaged cells from continuing to grow. The process is prompted by stress to the cell.
It is also triggered when genes that have the potential to cause cancer – called oncogenes – become active.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that key immune molecules inside cells, called TLR2 and TLR10, detect when oncogenes are switched on. This initiates a cascade of chemic al signals that cause inflammation and trigger immune cells to remove the damaged cell.
The study, published in Science Advances, was carried out at the Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre at the University of Edinburgh.
Dr Juan-Carlos A costa, CRUK career development fellow at the University of Edinburgh, said: “The results of the study extend our knowledge of molecular mechanisms controlling senescence and may lead to new strategies for development of anti-cancer and anti-aging therapeutics based on innate-immune receptor manipulation.”
Dr Matthew Hoare,c li nician scientist and honorary consultant from the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, said :“This is a really hot area for research, as senescence has the potential to stop cancer development in the earliest stages. These findings show for the first time that damaged cancer- caus - ing cells use TLR2/10 signalling to become inflamed, presenting potential drug targets that could help the body clear senescent cells before they cause harm.”