In the field of oncology research, a very recent discovery represents a significant turning point in the battle against bowel cancer. Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Abhimanu Pandey and his team at the Australian National University (ANU), we now have a deeper understanding of the role of Ku70 protein, which acts as a brake on cancer cells. Shall we delve deeper?
Ku70 protein: a new frontier in the fight against cancer
The investigation conducted by the ANU highlighted the crucial role of the Ku70 protein in counteracting the development of bowel cancer. According to Dr. Pandey, this protein can be “activated” through a combination of new and existing drugs, functioning as a surveillance system to detect signs of damaged DNA in our cells.
Damaged DNA is a danger signal that can turn healthy cells into cancer cells.
Bowel cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers in the world, with one in twenty people diagnosed by age 85. In diagnostic terms, frequent screening of individuals between the ages of 50 and 74 is essential to promote timely detection and effective treatment of the disease. And in terms of care?
The research continues
Professor Yes Ming Man from ANU highlights that Ku70 is a good immune biomarker, useful for predicting the outlook of patients diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Man suggests that future bowel cancer screening methods could include checking Ku70 levels in precancerous polyps and abnormal tissue growths found in the colon. This, of course, is before healthy cells become cancerous.
Ahead of World Cancer Day, ANU scientists are urging people of all ages to be aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. Research carried out at ANU aims not only to fight bowel cancer, but also to raise awareness of cancer prevention, detection and treatment in general.
A light against bowel cancer
Increasing knowledge of the Ku70 protein and its function in the control of intestinal cancer offers new hope in the fight against this disease. The work carried out by the ANU represents a significant step towards new therapeutic strategies and better screening methods, helping to save many lives.
For more information: Abhimanu Pandey et al, Ku70 senses cytosolic DNA and assembles a tumor-suppressive signalosome, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh3409. Source
