Scientists have found that blocking both genes leads to a significant decrease in tumor size. The research highlights important differences between tumors in male and female Drosophila and how this overlooked biological variable could affect cancer treatment.
All cells in an organism have the same set of genetic instructions in their DNA. However, what determines if a cell becomes a neuron, muscle, or another specific cell type is the activation or inactivation of specific genes in that cell. For example, in the Drosophila fly, the TrxT andThe dhd genes, which are part of the germline and are involved in the creation of sperm and eggs, are expected to be inactive in the brain.
However, a team of scientists led by Dr. Cayetano González, ICREA researcher at IRB Barcelona, have found that TrxT and dhd are crucial for the development of brain tumors. When either of these genes is inhibited, there is a partial decrease in tumor size, but simultaneous inhibition of both leads to a significantly greater reduction.
Published in the journal EMBO Reports, the study shows that these two genes are essential for the growth of brain tumors.In brain tumours found in the Drosophila fly, the genes Nes, TrxT, and dhd, which are not typically expressed together, unexpectedly become activated. This abnormal activation results in the development of aggressive tumours that invade nearby tissues. Additionally, the research reveals differences in the impact of genes depending on whether the fly is male or female. The study highlights the importance of considering sexual dimorphism in cancer research and suggests that the collaboration of multiple genes may present new opportunities for exploration in this field.
Dr. González stated, “Therapeutic strategies need to be improved to better treat the disease in the future.”
Differences in Cancer Between Genders
For many years, it has been known that there are differences in cancer rates and progression between men and women. However, there is still a limited understanding of how sexual dimorphism relates to cancer biology.
Research on specific genes in the Drosophila germline, such as TrxT and dhd, showed that they are expressed equally in somatic tumors of both males and females. When these genes are simultaneously inactivated, there is a significant reduction in tumor size, particularly in males. This study demonstrates the potential for therapeutic interventions to address these differences.
The study found that there is a synergistic effect between TrxT and dhd in the early stages of tumor development, but only TrxT seems to be necessary to maintain the tumor once it is established. Dr. Cristina Molnar, the study’s lead author, explained, “Our results suggest that the initial phases of tumour development and the growth of established tumours are two distinct phenomena that may depend on different molecular mechanisms.”
Furthermore, certain genes known as “cancer-germline” or “cancer-testis” genes have been identified as potential targets for cancer treatment. These genes were originally discovered due to their presence in germline cells and their abnormal expression in cancer cells.
Researchers have identified genes associated with the formation of sperm and eggs as significant factors in the development of certain cancers, including melanomas and lung carcinoma. These genes, found in the testes, are primarily involved in the production of sex cells, making them a promising target for cancer treatment. Blocking these genes could potentially have minimal side effects on the body’s other cells. Although this study does not directly lead to new cancer therapies, it provides valuable biological insight.
The processes involved in the formation and growth of tumors could open the door for future research and the development of treatments.
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