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Thus, the spread of metastases takes place exploring the course of colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Germany. The chances of a cure depend heavily on how early the cancer is discovered and whether it has already spread. Researchers from Austria have now found that certain molecules play a major role in the spread of metastases in colorectal cancer.
Better treatment options through early diagnosis
According to health experts, colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of prostate cancer and lung cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in women after breast cancer. Every year around 26,000 people die in this country. The chances of recovery depend heavily on how early the cancer is discovered. And also of whether he has already scattered. According to recent findings, certain molecules play a major role in the spread of metastases in colorectal cancer (colon carcinoma).
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers. Treatment success also depends on how early the cancer is detected and whether it has already spread. According to new findings, certain molecules play an important role in the spread of metastases. (Image: Alex / fotolia.com) Better understanding of the disease
Colon carcinoma is also one of the most common cancers in Austria. At the Medical University of Graz, intensive research is being conducted on the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease.
As the university reports on its website, recent research shows that so-called microRNAs - small non-coding RNA molecules that significantly influence gene expression - play a major role in the spread of metastases in colon carcinoma.
The identification of the underlying molecular mechanisms should lead to a better understanding of the disease and pave the way for the development of new therapeutic approaches.
The research findings of the Graz experts were recently published in the renowned journals "Clinical Cancer Research" and "Genome Biology".
Cancer cells require protein molecules
"In all body cells and therefore also in tumor cells, biochemical processes are constantly taking place, which are mainly controlled by protein molecules (proteins)," explains Assoz.-Prof. PD Mag. Martin Pichler, Head of Research Unit "Non-coding RNAs and Genome Editing in Cancer", University of Graz.
Cancer cells need these protein molecules to penetrate healthy tissue, spread and enter the blood vessel system and spread to other organs. Whether and how many such proteins are formed is a subtly regulated and complexly controlled balance.
"One level of this regulation occurs via microRNAs, which can inhibit the production of proteins. This mechanism in cancer cells was first described by Prof. George A Calin in 2002. The internationally renowned expert is currently working as a visiting professor at Med Uni Graz in research and teaching, "says Pichler.
Anomalies of molecules studied
Together with George Calin and scientists from his own research group, oncologist and molecular biologist Pichler investigates the anomalies of these "non-coding RNAs" in colorectal cancer.
"Previously, it was assumed that only the sections coding for protein-coding (" coding ") genes in the human genome are meaningful, and the much larger intervening sections are irrelevant - some authors even called these" junk DNA "- The knowledge of those "non-coding" shares has multiplied, "says Pichler.
And further: "Pharmacological and biomarker studies point to the great potential for the use of these microRNAs, not only in cancer, but also in infectious diseases or metabolic diseases."
Results usable for possible therapeutic approaches
In several recent scientific papers, researchers have discovered some of these microRNAs and other non-coding RNAs that regulate the spread of colon cancer cells.
For example, the scientists describe the role of microRNA miR-196b-5p as a potential biomarker for the prognosis of metastasis of colon cancer. Two independent cohorts with a total of about 300 patients show that low miR-196b-5p expression is significantly associated with metastasis.
Experts have discovered that miR-196b-5p exerts a direct influence on cancer cell migration and the formation of metastases, with the decreased incidence of miR-196b-5p leading to increased metastasis, whereas overexpression has the opposite effect and metastasis inhibited.
"If one could start here and influence the function of these regulators, the results of our studies could potentially be used for possible therapeutic approaches," said the first author of one of the studies. Verena Stiegelbauer from Med Uni Graz. (Ad)