#United States #Cancer Research #Cold Spring Harbor #Cold Spring Harbor, NY #POUF23

Unveiling the Elusive Nature of Shapeshifting Cancers

Recent research from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) has made significant strides in understanding the complicated behaviors of certain cancers, particularly carcinomas. Unlike conventional tumors, some carcinomas exhibit behaviors that allow them to change their cellular identity—a phenomenon referred to as 'shapeshifting'. This makes them particularly challenging to treat, as they can mimic cells from other organs in the body, complicating standard therapeutic approaches.

Professor Christopher Vakoc from CSHL points out how these tumors display remarkable plasticity in their identity. Some can even adapt in response to treatments, evading therapies designed to target them. In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications, the research team identified a key protein that plays a pivotal role in determining whether pancreatic cancer cells retain their original characteristics or transform to adopt features reminiscent of skin cells.

The focus on pancreatic cancer is particularly pertinent, given its notorious resistance to existing therapies. Furthermore, the Vakoc lab's latest insights into tuft cell lung cancer were unveiled in a companion study published in Cell Reports, showcasing the intricate binding mechanisms of the protein POUF23 to DNA and the OCA-T1 protein. By elucidating this complex interface, researchers are opening up new avenues for drug development aimed at targeting these critical interactions.

This extensive research has allowed CSHL scientists to revisit their discoveries from 2018 when they first identified tuft cell lung cancer through the lens of epigenetic factors influencing tumor growth. Their efforts to explore beyond simple genetic mutations into the realms of gene regulation and transcription have culminated in this promising new direction. The collaboration between CSHL’s faculty and the insight gained from studying master regulators of cellular identity serves not just as scientific inquiry but as a potential roadmap for innovative cancer therapies.

Vakoc expressed hope that targeting these master regulators could lead to novel treatments akin to the hormonal therapies currently used against breast and prostate cancers. These developments aim to ensure that new therapies can specifically target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues, a principle that has guided their recent experiments.

Notably, the researchers didn't observe any toxic effects or collateral damage to vital organs in mouse models of either pancreatic or lung cancer, which emphasizes a higher threshold for specificity in developing new cancer treatments. Vakoc stated, "We’re setting a higher bar for specificity when it comes to new cancer targets and treatments," ensuring that the focus remains on patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness.

The findings not only pave the way for advancements in cancer therapy but also signify a deeper understanding of cellular identity. This research underscores CSHL's commitment to shaping new standards of care and providing hope for patients facing aggressive and hard-to-treat carcinomas. As work in this area progresses, it serves as a beacon of progress in the fight against cancer.

About Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Founded in 1890, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is at the forefront of modern biomedical research and education, with significant strides in cancer, neuroscience, plant biology, and quantitative biology. With eight Nobel laureates among its affiliates, the laboratory thrives with a workforce of over 1,000 individuals, including 600 dedicated scientists and trainees. For additional information, visit CSHL’s official website and explore their ongoing contributions to the field of cancer research.