May 18, 2024

A Key to Cancer Research: The Origin-of-Life Molecule

The researchers found that inhibiting RNA synthesis with the THZ1 compound and analogs following treatments that trigger DNA damages, such as radiation therapy, significantly enhances tumor cells level of sensitivity to death.
Researchers from Spain and Denmark have discovered a method for assaulting cancer cells in the production of among the origin-of-life particles.
The particle that offered rise to life, RNA, has been demonstrated to be crucial for fixing human genetic product and avoiding anomalies that may result in cancer development. Current research breakthroughs, such as those reported by Daniel Gómez Cabellos research team at the University of Seville, propose this compound as a restorative target for establishing tailored cancer treatment methods.
The RNA polymerase enzyme, the RNA production maker in cells, is needed for safely and dependably fixing breaks in human DNA. RNA production is vital for healthy cells, but it is incredibly important for tumor cells, which need significantly higher activity from this enzyme to grow uncontrollably.

The research study showed that following DNA-damaging treatments, such as radiation treatment, RNA synthesis inhibition with the THZ1 compound and analogs substantially increases growth cells sensitivity to death.
” This study offers clues on how to improve conventional therapies and attain a higher success rate with treatments. There is still a long method to go to be able to utilize these RNA polymerase inhibitors in the clinical setting, scientific trials are currently underway based on this enzyme for dealing with cancer”, explained the Principal Investigator, Daniel Gómez-Cabello.
” Increasing the understanding on how to use these compounds in a much safer and more tailored way allows us to resolve as best as possible the treatment of cancer,” included the scientist Diana Aguilar-Morante, the studys co-author.
This research by the Biomedical Institute of Seville and the University of Seville, in cooperation with the Danish Cancer Society, has actually been released in the distinguished journal Nature Communications. Both scientists go back to Spain from Denmark and have actually had the ability to continue their research thanks to contracts funded by the Government of Andalusia and the Spanish Association versus Cancer (AECC).
” Thanks to the AECC, we have had the ability to continue with these research studies and move this project forward,” described the author.
Currently, these scientists are dealing with the mechanisms of how RNA, the initial particle that makes it possible for life, can work as a tool for dealing with diseases.
” Once we have actually observed that selectively hindering RNA production improves the energy of radiation treatment in cancer cells and does not significantly impact the remainder of the cells, we will start investigating it in numerous kinds of cancer, such as glioblastoma and pediatric neuroblastoma,” commented Diana Aguilar-Morante. “At this point, our obstacle will be to improve the performance of these brand-new RNA production inhibitors and reduce the adverse effects that can take place in patients with cancer,” stated Gómez-Cabello.
Reference: “CtIP-dependent nascent RNA expression flanking DNA breaks guides the option of DNA repair work path” by Daniel Gómez-Cabello, George Pappas, Diana Aguilar-Morante, Christoffel Dinant and Jiri Bartek, 9 September 2022, Nature Communiations.DOI: 10.1038/ s41467-022-33027-z.