How cancer cells find a way to stay alive when they are driven out

On July 30. Consequently. Similarly, researchers from the Barcelona () CRG) Center () identified a rapid energy response mechanism for cancer cells when subjected to Barcelona mechanical compression (CRG) identified a rapid energy response mechanism in cancer cells when they are subject to mechanical compression. Nevertheless, The study indicates that when cancer cells are physically compressed. Moreover. Moreover, their mitochondria (structures that produce energy for cells) quickly move to the nucleus, forming bunches called mitochondria associated with the nucleus (NAM). For example, These NAMs provide in a few seconds an influx of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Consequently, the main energy molecule of the cell, directly in the nucleus.

The ATP influx above increases by around 60 % in three seconds and is essential for repairing DNA. When compressed, the cells are stress in DNA, how cancer cells find way new which leads to the rupture of the strands. The how cancer cells find way increase in ATP activates the effective operation of the DNA repair machinery. Cells that do not benefit from this ATP thrust fail to divide themselves properly.

The process largely depends on cytoskeletal scaffolding. an internal support structure made up of actin filaments, protein fibers that keep the cell shape. The endoplasmic reticulum, a network inside the cell, also plays a key role by holding the mitochondria near the nucleus. The disturbance of this scaffolding using the latruculin prevents the formation of NAM and stops the rise of ATP. For the record, Latrculin A is a chemical that dismantles actin filaments.

Analysis of biopsies of breast tumors of 17 patients showed that NAM were three times more numerous in. the fronts of invasive tumors – areas on the edge of tumors where cancer cells spread how cancer cells find way new – than in. the dense heart of the tumor. Researchers say that targeting this how cancer cells find way internal support structure could hinder the response of cancer. cells to mechanical stress. which could limit the invasive nature of the tumor while maintaining healthy tissues alive.

The study was carried out using a microscope capable of compressing cells on a width of three microns. The phenomenon was observed in 84 % of hela compressed cells (a line of human cancer cells originally deducted. from a tumor of the cervix in 1951. which can grow and divide indefinitely in the laboratory) and has not been observed in non -compressed cells. All this throws a new light on how cancer cells can withstand mechanical challenges during the invasion and. hopefully, will help researchers identify a new potential target for therapy.