Slashdot Mirror
Method For Fooling Cancer Cells Into Fat Cells Can Stop Cancer's Spread (technologynetworks.com)
Researchers from the University of Basel in Switzerland have discovered that they can prevent the formation of metastases by fooling breast cancer cells into fat cells. The proof-of-concept study was published in the journal Cancer Cell. Technology Networks reports: Malignant cells can rapidly respond and adapt to changing microenvironmental conditions, by reactivating a cellular process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enabling them to alter their molecular properties and transdifferentiate into a different type of cell (cellular plasticity). Cancer cells can exploit EMT -- a process that is usually associated with the development of organs during embryogenesis -- in order to migrate away from the primary tumor and form secondary metastases. Cellular plasticity is linked to cancer survival, invasion, tumor heterogeneity and resistance to both chemo and targeted therapies. In addition, EMT and the inverse process termed mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) both play a role in a cancer cell's ability to metastasize.
Using mouse models of both murine and human breast cancer the team investigated whether they could therapeutically target cancer cells during the process of EMT -- whilst the cells are in a highly plastic state. When the mice were administered Rosiglitazone in combination with MEK inhibitors it provoked the transformation of the cancer cells into post-mitotic and functional adipocytes (fat cells). In addition, primary tumor growth was suppressed and metastasis was prevented. Since both drugs used in the preclinical study were FDA-approved the team are hopeful that it may be possible to translate this therapeutic approach to the clinic.
Using mouse models of both murine and human breast cancer the team investigated whether they could therapeutically target cancer cells during the process of EMT -- whilst the cells are in a highly plastic state. When the mice were administered Rosiglitazone in combination with MEK inhibitors it provoked the transformation of the cancer cells into post-mitotic and functional adipocytes (fat cells). In addition, primary tumor growth was suppressed and metastasis was prevented. Since both drugs used in the preclinical study were FDA-approved the team are hopeful that it may be possible to translate this therapeutic approach to the clinic.
I think they mean 'turning'.
Fascinating science in the actual article - really odd use of language in the article. 'Fooling' is kind of anthropomorphizing the cancer cells - they're changing based on mechanisms, they never really make decisions to be fooled on, and that's why the actual study doesn't really use the word.
Ryan Fenton
Fat itself isn't that bad. People can be very healthy and overweight. However issues on where the fat is forming in excess is where the problems happen. If the Fat is gathering around your organs then your organs are being restricted and will not function properly. Or if you put on too much weight that affects your physical activity then health issues from lack of mobility and getting proper exercise. Also people get fat from an improper diet, so while they are getting fat they are also malnourished.
People Can be healthy and Fat. The fat itself doesn't normally hurt people, but where and how much can.
There are often appearing slim, people who have a lot of health problems because while the fat isn't showing outwardly with a big belly, it is collecting underneath the rib cage squeezing your their internal organs.
Statistically Women live longer then Men, also women statistically have a higher percentage of body fat too.
If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.