A recent study has revealed that tumors in female fruit flies developed 2.5 times larger than those in males. Since fruit flies have significant genetic and signaling similarities to humans, these findings could enhance our understanding of cancer progression.
Researchers from Tulane University have delved into how biological differences between sexes can affect tumor growth.
The results, published in Science Advances, might improve our grasp of cancer development and potentially aid in discovering methods to halt tumor growth.
The investigation indicated that tumors in female fruit flies were 2.5 times larger than those in male flies over the same duration.
Due to their genetic resemblance to humans, fruit flies are a preferred model in biological research. The study discovered that female fruit flies exhibited a more robust innate immune response to tumors than their male counterparts. This immune response facilitated tumor growth by activating specific cellular signaling pathways.
“It was surprising to observe such a significant difference in tumor size between the sexes. The real question is whether this difference is evident in humans as well,” stated Wu-Min Deng, PhD, the study’s corresponding author and a professor at Tulane University School of Medicine. “Many of these signaling pathways are genetically conserved across mammals and insects, making this discovery pertinent to our understanding of cancer progression.”
Once a tumor developed, female fruit flies’ immune cells (hemocytes) generated a greater inflammatory response compared to males. This protein signal, known as Eiger, is akin to a related protein found in mammals that also oversees immune and inflammatory reactions.
While inflammation can be beneficial in fighting off external threats, excessive inflammation might create an environment that supports tumor growth.
“Our findings suggest that the heightened immune response in female fruit flies triggers a cascade effect, leading to the release of insulin-like peptides that promote tumor growth,” explained Deng.
Numerous questions surrounding cancer development persist, and researchers are just beginning to explore how sex-related differences influence various cancers.
“Cancer is a systemic illness that impacts the whole body,” said Xianfeng Wang, PhD, the first author and an instructor at Tulane School of Medicine. “Our research has identified a mechanism involving the local tumor environment and multiple organs that governs the sex-specific variations in tumor growth on a systemic level.”
Deng indicated that the next phase involves investigating whether the differences in tumor growth are influenced by hormones or sex chromosomes, which could provide further insights into the mechanisms of tumor growth.
“By unraveling this distinction, we hope to gain knowledge on how to manage tumor growth and understand how these tumors result in adverse outcomes for their hosts,” Deng noted. “If we can discover ways to block this process, we might find valuable clues for cancer prevention and potential cures.”
