Could we be near an end for colon cancer? Scientists from the Australian National University (ANU) say they may have made a breakthrough in achieving this and it has to do with what they call a “Cancer-cooling” protein – protein Ku70.
Ku70 is a fascinating protein with critical roles in maintaining the health and diversity of our DNA. Ku70 was initially identified as an autoantigen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease. This highlights the delicate balance between Ku’s essential functions and potential involvement in immune dysregulation.
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As for treating cancer, the tumor-suppressive role of cytoplasmic Ku70 opens up potential avenues for developing novel cancer therapies targeting its signaling pathways.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Colon cancer is a growth of cells that begins in a part of the large intestine called the colon. The colon is the first and longest part of the large intestine. The large intestine is the last part of the digestive system. The digestive system breaks down food for the body to use.
Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Polyps generally aren’t cancerous, but some can turn into colon cancers over time.
The American Cancer Society says overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. However, each person’s risk might be higher or lower than this, depending on their risk factors for colorectal cancer.
So, what have the scientists from ANU found?
According to lead author Dr Abhimanu Pandey, from ANU, the protein, known as Ku70, can be activated or “turned on” like a light switch by using a combination of new and existing drugs.
“In its activated state, the protein acts like a surveillance system, detecting signs of damaged DNA in our cells,” Dr Pandey said. “DNA is the genetic code of life. Damaged DNA is a sign of danger that can turn healthy cells into cancer cells.”
“Our research shows that Ku70 can ‘cool off’ cancer cells and mop up damaged DNA,” he added. “The protein prevents the cancer cells from becoming more aggressive and spreading throughout the body, essentially deactivating them and keeping them in a dormant state.”
Bowel cancer is the fourth most diagnosed cancer in Australia. It’s estimated one in 20 people will be diagnosed with bowel cancer by the age of 85.
Professor Si Ming Man, also from ANU, said future bowel cancer screening methods could include checking the levels of Ku70 in pre-cancerous polyps, abnormal growths of tissue found in the colon, before healthy cells turn cancerous.
“Our research shows Ku70 is a good immune biomarker, meaning it helps us predict who will fare better or worse after being diagnosed with bowel cancer,” Professor Man said.
Ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February, the ANU researchers are calling for people of all ages to be aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer.
“We know early detection and treatment is vital to overcoming not only bowel cancer, but potentially other cancers as well,” Professor Man added.
“We hope the cancer research conducted at ANU helps raise awareness of cancer prevention, detection, and treatment on this important day.”
