These are the 27 key genes responsible for prostate cancer metastasis.

Compilation
Researchers Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) and from Health Research Institute of San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC) identified 27 common genes required for metastatic prostate cancer after analyzing 20,000 known genes in humans.

Using the new gene editing tools Crispr, the researchers used “genomic library”, platform for finding weak spots in prostate cancer tumor cells.

“We analyzed each of the 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 numerous genes that could serve as possible targets for the treatment of metastatic cancer.”Explain Alvaro Gutiérrez Uzquiza, Research Fellow at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, UCM. Researchers are looking for weaknesses in prostate cancer tumor cells.

In addition to the genomic screening platform, the researchers showed that the PRMT7 gene is essential for prostate cancer because it reprograms tumor cells to adhere to tissues where they metastasize. That’s why, Its inhibition by drugs can reduce the invasion of metastatic cells..

The PRMT7 gene is essential for prostate cancer because it reprograms tumor cells to attach to tissues where they metastasize.

To carry out the work published in Cancer letters, The researchers used gene editing tools, combining molecular biology and bioinformatics.to identify the genes responsible for cancer cells acquiring the ability to “travel” to other areas of the body through metastasis.

“We are currently continuing to conduct preclinical studies and are trying to include patient data to confirm that this could be an effective and safe therapeutic target. Moreover, in our laboratory we continue to create new tools that allow us to develop new platforms to search for new vulnerabilities in prostate cancer.”, concludes Gutierrez. In addition to TSUM, where the research began six years ago, the project also collaborated with IdISSC and the Center for Applied Genomics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia..