Oslo Researchers Uncover New Pathway to Influence Leukemia Development

A research team at the University of Oslo has identified a method to influence the development of acute myeloid leukemia, potentially opening new avenues for future treatments. The study, published in Nature Communications, examined how cancer cells develop in the bone marrow and explored ways to halt their progression.

Pinpointing the Problem in Bone Marrow

Headed by Associate Professor Lorena Arranz, the team focused on blood stem cells within the bone marrow. In individuals with acute blood cancer, these stem cells develop into malignant cancer cells instead of healthy blood components like red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The research indicates that the development of these stem cells is influenced by signals from their surrounding environment.

Unveiling Key Molecular Regulators

The study identified specific molecular signals involving succinate and its receptor, SUCNR1, as key regulators. These molecules influence whether stem cells remain dormant or differentiate.

SUCNR1 activation was found to maintain stem cells in a healthy state by controlling the alarmins S100A8 and S100A9.

From Patient Data to Therapeutic Potential

Researchers analyzed data from patients with acute myeloid leukemia and conducted experiments using mouse models of the disease. They observed that low levels of SUCNR1 in patients were associated with poorer survival rates.

Further, altering the levels of succinate, SUCNR1, and S100A9 in mouse models demonstrated an ability to influence the progression of leukemia.

Towards Personalized Leukemia Treatments

The findings suggest a novel understanding of succinate, which was previously considered a driver of cancer progression.

The team believes this newly identified protective role of succinate acting on SUCNR1 could be harnessed for developing future personalized treatments for acute myeloid leukemia, potentially based on individual SUCNR1 levels.