Researchers of the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) and the Health Research Institute of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC) identified 27 common genes essential for metastatic prostate cancerafter the analysis of the 20,000 known genes in humans.
Using new CRISPR gene editing tools, the researchers used a “genomic library,” a platform to search for weaknesses in prostate cancer tumor cells.
“We have analyzed each and every one of the 20,000 known genes to identify those genes that are essential for tumor cells and that if we eliminate them we could leave them weakened. This technique has allowed us to find numerous genes that will serve as possible targets for metastatic cancer treatments. “explains Álvaro Gutiérrez Uzquiza, researcher in the departmental section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the UCM. The researchers look for weak points in prostate cancer tumor cells.
In addition to the genomic screening platform, the researchers demonstrated that the PRMT7 gene is essential for prostate cancer because it reprograms tumor cells to adhere to tissues where they will metastasize. Therefore, its inhibition with drugs is capable of reducing the invasion of metastatic cells.
To carry out the work, published in ‘Cancer Letters’, the researchers used gene editing tools, combining molecular biology and bioinformatics, to identify genes responsible for making cancer cells acquire the ability to “travel” to other regions of the body. metastasizing body.
“Currently, we continue to do preclinical studies and try to incorporate patient data to confirm that it can be an effective and safe therapeutic target. In addition, in our laboratory we continue to generate new tools that allow us to develop new platforms to find new vulnerabilities in prostate cancer” , concludes Gutiérrez.
In addition to the UCM, where the study began six years ago, they have also collaborated on the project with the IdISSC and the Center For Applied Genomic at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Source: EUROPA PRESS
