Cancer cells speak a new language

Scientists at research center (CIMA) of the University of Navarra and the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) in Barcelona have discovered a new mechanism of cellular communication that was previously unknown. "It is the coordinated use of two languages used by the cell to send internal signals in a precise and selective manner. This system does not replace existing and known forms of communication, such as phosphorylation, but is additional," explains Dr. Matías Ávila, researcher of CIMA and co-author of work, which has been published in the scientific journal Science Signaling.

The mechanism identified is based on the methylation, or modification Chemistry, of components of a pathway core topic in the process of altering a normal to malignant cell, RAS-ERK. Cancer cells lose control. All the mechanisms that regulate them, order them and force them to become part of the tissue that corresponds to them cease to function. They do not die, they do not commit suicide, nor do they differentiate, but are immortalized. "The signaling system we present in this study helps to explain some of the features specific to tumor cells that we could not fully understand until now. In addition, the possibility of regulating these methylation reactions with drugs could be core topic to curb this uncontrolled proliferation and, above all, to bring the tumor cell back to a state closer to normality," says researcher at CIMA.

In addition to revealing certain mechanisms core topic in normal cell growth, this study has important implications for cancer treatment. "The knowledge of these signaling systems will help us to identify new targets and therapeutic strategies based on the biology of each tumor. Together with all the weapons we have today, it represents a major breakthrough in the fight against cancer and other diseases."