Scientists found way to convert cancer cells to healthy state
Researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have discovered molecular switches that help revert cancer cells to a normal-like state, the Advanced Science journal reports
It is reported that a team of researchers led by Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho from the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering has unveiled an innovative cancer treatment technology that could be a breakthrough in the fight against the disease.
Modern cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, focus on killing cancer cells. However, this approach has its limitations, including the development of tumour cell resistance and recurrence, as well as severe side effects from the destruction of healthy cells. The scientists decided to approach the problem from a different angle by studying how normal colon cells differentiate and change during oncogenesis.
Based on this information, scientists have reportedly developed technology to create a digital twin of the gene network associated with the differentiation trajectory of normal cells. Using simulation analysis, the team systematically identified molecular ‘switches’ that induce normal cell differentiation. By applying these molecular mechanisms to cancer cells, they were able to ‘revert’ the tumour cells back to normal.
Thus, the results of experiments conducted both at the cellular level and in animals have shown that cancer cells can return to a healthy state without negative consequences for the body, indicating the safety of the new experimental treatment.
