A New Cure for Cancer May be Hidden in Mole Rat Genetics
Wesley Yang — September 22, 2009 — Lifestyle
References: newscientist
The naked mole rat, native to parts of East Africa, may just be the next step in our search for the cure to cancer. These rodents, surprisingly, are immune to cancer.
It is nearly impossible to culture naked mole rat cells in the lab. Their unique cells stop dividing once they reach a certain relatively low density. This cell property, found to be controlled in the genes p16 and p27, may very well be the cure to cancer. In human DNA, it is primarily controlled by p27, so naked mole rats have an extra layer of protection.
If this could be replicated in humans, our fight against cancer could be over!
It is nearly impossible to culture naked mole rat cells in the lab. Their unique cells stop dividing once they reach a certain relatively low density. This cell property, found to be controlled in the genes p16 and p27, may very well be the cure to cancer. In human DNA, it is primarily controlled by p27, so naked mole rats have an extra layer of protection.
If this could be replicated in humans, our fight against cancer could be over!
Trend Themes
1. Genetic Disease Immunity - Exploring the genetic makeup of organisms that are naturally immune to diseases to find potential cures and treatments.
2. Novel Cancer Therapies - Investigating unique cell properties and genes in animals like the naked mole rat to develop innovative approaches in the battle against cancer.
3. Gene-based Cancer Research - Using genetic insights from the naked mole rat to target and manipulate specific genes for potential cancer treatments.
Industry Implications
1. Biotechnology - Developing gene-editing technologies and therapies based on the discoveries from studying disease immunity in animals.
2. Pharmaceutical - Creating new drugs and therapies by leveraging the genetic understanding of animals with natural disease immunity to combat cancer and other illnesses.
3. Medical Research - Conducting research and clinical trials to apply the genetic insights from the naked mole rat to develop groundbreaking treatments for cancer and other diseases.
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