Discovery of a New Cancer Mechanism
Researchers at Umeå University in Sweden have identified a previously unknown mechanism in triple-negative breast cancer. This mechanism allows the cancer to regulate its protein production. The discovery contributes to understanding tumor growth and adaptation, potentially opening avenues for future treatments.
Francesca Aguilo, an associate professor at Umeå University's Department of Molecular Biology and lead researcher, stated that a critical control point was identified which, when disrupted, could impact cancer development.
Ribosomes and Protein Production
Cells utilize ribosomes to translate genetic information from RNA into proteins. Ribosomes are complex structures composed of ribosomal RNA and proteins with integrated control systems. Disruptions in these systems can contribute to diseases such as cancer.
Ribosomal RNA contains chemical modifications, including 2′-O-methylation (Nm), which are controlled by the enzyme fibrillarin. The study indicates fibrillarin's significant role in ribosome construction and protein synthesis.
Fibrillarin and Ribosomal Heterogeneity
Researchers found that fibrillarin collaborates with ribosomal protein RPS28 to form specialized ribosomes. The absence of fibrillarin correlates with the disappearance of RPS28, resulting in ribosomal heterogeneity. This heterogeneity impacts protein production and is associated with cancer development.
Aguilo indicated that cancer involves not only mutated genes but also the cellular control of protein quantity and type.
Future Research Implications
While further research is required before these findings can be applied to treatments, the study suggests a new direction for cancer therapy: targeting misregulated protein production.