Researchers Identify Potential Lung Cancer Marker by Studying Changes in Chromatin Structure
Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University have discovered a protein that, when elevated in human lung tumors could indicate tumor metastasis. They believe this finding could point to drug targets or new diagnostics.
The researchers observed structural changes in the chromosomes referred to as “epigenomic states” and defined 11 such states that cancer cells can pass through as they become more aggressive. They found that as the structure of tumor cells’ chromatin changed, transcription factors tended to target genes that would help the cells to lose their original identity and become less differentiated. Many of the cells were eventually able to leave their original locations and seed new tumors — a process largely controlled by a transcription factor called RUNX2. In more aggressive cancer cells, RUNX2 promotes the transcription of genes for proteins secreted by cells. These proteins help remodel the tumor environment to make it easier for cancer cells to escape. They reported their findings in the journal Cancer Cell.
However, the researchers acknowledged that designing medicines that target transcription factors would be challenging. So the team is now trying to identify enzymes involved in chromatin changes that may be easier to block with drugs.
In the meantime, their discovery could be used in lung cancer diagnostics to patient outcomes and facilitate early intervention.