(Press-News.org) Contact information: David Gisselsson
David.Gisselsson_Nord@med.lu.se
46-461-734-184-6733
Lund University
Cancer 'avalanche effect' refuted
First, the number of chromosomes in a cell changes, then an avalanche of further mutations occur that transform the cell into a cancer cell, according to a well-known - but untested - theory. A research group at Lund University in Sweden has now shown that the theory is not correct and constitutes a dead end for research.
Cancer is due to changes in the DNA of cells, which causes them to divide in an uncontrolled manner. It is also true that the cancer cells in certain common tumours, such as in colon cancer, can have over 100 chromosomes instead of the 46 chromosomes normally present in a human cell.
But does a single, initial change in the number of chromosomes set off a sequence of unstoppable changes that lead to cancer? The answer to this question is important; in order to ensure that cancer research is on the right track.
"In our view, the answer to that question is no. We have carried out very detailed studies and have not been able to see any sign of an 'avalanche effect'", said cancer researcher and pathologist David Gisselsson from Lund University.
He and Anders Valind, a doctoral student, have studied cells from children and foetuses that have had congenital changes in the number of chromosomes. If the avalanche theory is correct, then these cells should have developed a large number of further changes as a consequence, but this was not the case.
Studying the presence of chromosomal changes that have only occurred in a few cells is difficult, which is one reason why the avalanche theory has never been tested on human cells. David Gisselsson's research group have had to refine the technology in order to conduct their study, and many control tests have been performed.
"Our findings will no doubt cause a scientific debate, so we wanted to make sure that they rested on a stable foundation", said Dr Gisselsson.
Gisselsson believes the findings could lead to significant progress in cancer research. There is no longer any need to invest energy in identifying one single source of all forms of cancer, an area which David Gisselsson regards as a dead end for research. Instead, the research community can carry out targeted searches for different triggers for different types of cancer.
"Cancer is not one disease with one trigger mechanism; it varies from one type to another and from case to case. I think our findings bring hope, because they will make it easier to develop new research tools", says David Gisselsson.
INFORMATION: END
Give future generations a chance: Support mothers to secure future public health
Current approaches to curbing the global rise of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, are failing, according to University of Southampton researchers.
Writing ...
Personal care products are possible sources of potentially harmful parabens for babies
Through lotions, shampoos and other personal care products (PCPs), infants and toddlers are likely becoming exposed to potentially harmful substances, called parabens, ...
Antivirals for HCV improve kidney and cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients
Researchers from Taiwan reveal that antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) improves kidney and cardiovascular outcomes for patients with diabetes. Results of the study published in Hepatology, ...
Researchers uncover mechanism controlling Tourette syndrome tics
A mechanism in the brain which controls tics in children with Tourette Syndrome (TS) has been discovered by scientists at The University of Nottingham.
The study, which has been published ...
Dementia risk greatest for older Native-Americans and African-Americans with diabetes
OAKLAND, Calif., December 11, 2013 — In the first study to look at racial and ethnic differences in dementia risk among older adults with type 2 diabetes, researchers found that ...
Tumor-suppressing genes could play important role in obesity, diabetes and cancer
The function of two tumor-suppressing genes could play a vital role in helping to control obesity and other diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer, according to researchers ...
University researchers observe surprising bonefish spawning behavior in the Bahamas
New study has implications for conservation
MELBOURNE, FLA.—Bonefish, also called gray ghosts, are among the most elusive and highly prized fishes sought by recreational anglers ...
Leaner Fourier transforms
New algorithm can separate signals into their individual frequencies using a minimal number of samples
The fast Fourier transform, one of the most important algorithms of the 20th century, revolutionized signal processing. The ...
New labs sprouting up to test cannabis -- and the law
Grandaddy Purple, Blueberry Yum Yum and other pot products may now be legal for medical use in 20 states and the District of Columbia, but how do patients know what dose they're really getting and whether ...
Choreographed stages of Salmonella infection revealed by Liverpool scientists
Scientists have used a new method to map the response of every salmonella gene to conditions in the human body, providing new insight into how the bacteria triggers infection. ...
