Cancer is defined as a condition whereby cells disobey rules governing normal growth and division and set out on a track to rapidly and uncontrollably grow, divide and invade other tissues and organs in a process known as metastasis.
New research performed in the laboratory of cancer by biologist, Sohail Tavazoie, at Rockefeller University has provided insight into the potential prevention of cancer metastasis. The researchers were interested in understanding how colorectal cancer spreads to other organs, particularly the liver. Their work revealed the involvement of two molecules known as miR-551a and miR-483 in suppressing and preventing the spread or metastasis of colorectal cancer. They discovered that miR-551a and miR-483 participate in preventing colorectal cancer metastasis by targeting the gene product of a protein known as creatine kinase (CKB). Colorectal cancer cells secrete CKB to the extracellular space where it modifies and converts a small molecule known as creatine to phosphocreatine. Phosphocreatine is transported to the interior and ultimately utilized as an energy source, which results in sustaining the cancer cells.
The current research offers the promise of developing future therapeutic approaches in the prevention of cancer metastasis by designing inhibitors of CKB. In addition, it is also possible to use a combination of miR-551a and miR-483 as an additional therapeutic option in the prevention of the spread of colorectal cancer.
Lastly, it would be of great importance for us to learn more about other key proteins in other cancer types that help cancer cells by providing them with an energy source similar to the one provided by CKB. This would not only broaden our understanding but would allow us to develop more therapeutic options for cancer treatment and prevention.
