This study can have a major impact on better understanding of tumorigenic mechanisms in the future
Jussi Taipale
The innovative feature of the novel cellular transformation assay is to utilize cellular transdifferentiation, in which human fibroblast cells are converted to a different cell type using defined transcription factors, and to expose the cells to oncogenic factors during this transdifferentiation process. “Since previous cancer genome sequencing studies have reported mutations in over 250 genes in different human tumor types, novel methods for studying their effects on tumorigenesis are highly warranted”, Dr. Sahu points out.
Cancer can arise from various different human tissues. Although the common feature of all cancers is malignant growth caused by mutations in genes regulating critical cellular processes such as proliferation and apoptosis, same mutations do not cause cancer in all tissues. However, why a particular mutation causes cancer in some tissues but not in others is not well understood.
In this study, the authors identified the set of factors that can make normal cells to liver cancer cells by systematically studying different mutations that have previously been reported in human liver tumors. ”Our focus was on liver cancer, but importantly, a similar approach can be used for studying various other human cancer types. Thus, this study can have a major impact on better understanding of tumorigenic mechanisms in the future”, says Professor Taipale.
Source: University of Helsinki
Source: Healthcare in Europe
