New important genes for prostate cancer metastasis

Research team led by Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) and researchers from IDISSCin collaboration with the Center for Applied Genomics Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, identified out of 20,000 genes27 which significant asset for metastatic prostate cancer. Using New Tools CRISPR gene editing, researchers used “genomic library“, that is, a platform for searching for weak points in tumor cells prostate cancer.

“We analyzed each 20,000 known genes to identify those genes that are essential for tumor cells, and that if we eliminate them, we may leave them weakened. This method allowed us to find many genes that could serve as possible targets for cancer treatment. metastatic cancer“, Explain Alvaro Gutierrez UzquizaResearcher, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty of Pharmacy TsUK.

Usquisa: “We are currently continuing to conduct preclinical studies and are trying to pool patient data to confirm that this could be an effective and safe therapeutic target.”

In addition to the platform genomic screeningresearchers have shown that PRMT7 gene It is important in prostate cancer because it reprograms tumor cells to attach to tissues where they will metastasize. Therefore, its inhibition by drugs can reduce the invasion of metastatic cells.

To carry out this work, published in the journal Cancer Letters, the researchers used genetic editing tools, combining molecular biology And bioinformaticsto identify the genes responsible for creating cancer cells acquire the opportunity to “travel” to other regions of the world metastatic body.

“We are currently continuing to preclinical studies and attempt to pool patient data to confirm that this may be an effective and safe therapeutic target. In addition, in our laboratory we continue to create new tools that allow us to develop new platforms to search for new vulnerabilities prostate cancer,” concludes Gutierrez.