Cancer Cells' Communication Path Blocked

Cancer Cells' Communication Path Blocked

Matthew He
October 20, 2013

Lund University
October 17, 2013
Article URL: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131017080252.htm
Video Story URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmseYv1hZNs
Journal Reference: H. C. Christianson, K. J. Svensson, T. H. van Kuppevelt, J.-P. Li, M. Belting. Cancer cell exosomes depend on cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans for their internalization and functional activity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2013; DOI:
Journal Link: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2013/10/04/1304266110

Summary: 
       Mattias Belting and other researchers at Lund University have discovered a possible alternative to cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, both of which yield detrimental side effects. Studies have found the path of exosomes, small virus-like particles that transmit genetic material and proteins between cells. Researchers were able to analyze the process of transporting exosomes into new recipient cancer cells, and were able to see the effects of the exosomes on existing cells. By isolating existing exosomes with fluorescent dye, and culturing them into other cancer cells. After observing the processes of exosomes they came up with potential strategies to block the effects of exosomes. Exosomes have been shown to be active molecules within cancer cells, and by reducing their impact on cells through blocking them and other techniques, the researchers at Lund University hope to build off the existing knowledge about exosomes to introduce a technique in which they can help patients. There are several options possible in the prevention of exosomes into cancer cells involving heparan sulfate. This may possibly present a solution to help treat malignant tumors, by removing the presence of such exosomes, therefore treating cancer. 

Connection:     
       This article connects to our current unit on cells, specifically cell division and cancer. Cell division in malignant tumors is especially tricky to treat, and treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation have very undesirable side effects. The articles goes in depth on showing what specific molecules may help deter the presence of exosomes, vacuoles that are known to have a direct relation to tumor growth. In the textbook (9-4 : Cancer cells grow and divide out of control) we learned about cancer cells and the two kinds of tumors, and how difficult they are to treat. This article supplements to that by providing new insight on new discoveries such as the processes of exosomes within cancer cells, which may lead to new treatments that can be implemented in clinics, in turn helping patients. This article specifically identifies molecular relationships to cancer cells, such as the function of exosomes, interesting new information that may result in real world solutions with cancer.