Cancer – On hearing this word, there is a feeling of fear, uncertainty and pain in the mind. This disease sometimes increases slowly and sometimes attacks suddenly. Indeed, cancer plays with the natural process of our cells, which order them to function in a normal and disciplined manner. This is the reason that normal cells suddenly become uncontrolled and prove to be disastrous for the body. Till now cancer has been the mainstay of treatment – destroying cancer cells. Chemotherapy, radiation and other aggressive methods have been resorted to for this. But these treatments often harm healthy cells of the body. As a result, patients face fatigue, immune system weakness and many other side effects.
Meanwhile, scientists of Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kaist) of South Korea have raised hope from a new discovery. He says that instead of eliminating cancer cells, they can be again converted into normal cells. The discovery is associated with the identity of a new “molecular switch”, which scientists have named “Revert”.
Start of cancer and “tipping point”
Many types of genetic and epigenetic changes occur inside our cells before becoming cancer. Gradually these changes reach a “tipping point”-that is, the moment when the cell becomes unusual from normal and starts moving towards cancer. In physics we know that the water suddenly turns into steam at 100 ° C. Some similar changes occur inside the cells, but it was very difficult to catch it. Now Kaist’s professor Kuang-Hune Cho and his team have found this path.
Revert Technique: Trying to prevent cancer from mathematics
The team of scientists has developed technology called Revert (Reverse Transition). It is a computer -based mathematical model that understands the gene network of cells and find out at which point the process of cancer form starts. Most cancer models are based on complex equations, which are difficult to understand and apply. But Revert has simplified this process. In this, every gene is seen like “on” or “off” – that is, yes or no. With the help of this simple structure, scientists can know which genes together keep cells normal and which push them towards cancer.
Cancer cells “switch”
Researchers first used this on colorectal cancer. Single-cell RNA data obtained from patients’ biopsy was analyzed. This analysis found that a gene named MyC plays an important role in promoting cancer. But stopping only MyC did not benefit completely. Along with this, the second gene named YY1 was also active. When both these genes were controlled like a “switch”, the cancer cells suddenly became normal. In the words of Professor Cho:
“We have discovered a molecular switch that can bring cancer cells to normal position again. This discovery is based on catching that extremely important moment of the onset of cancer, when cells are permanently in position before becoming cancer.”
From lab to real tissue
After computer model, this technique was also tried on real tissues. For this, Seoul National University provided colon organoids (artificial tissue samples) received from patients. The results were shocking when scientists reduced the activity of another gene called USP7 in these samples. Disorganized cells like cancer suddenly started growing in a disciplined manner. He respected the place of his neighboring cells and began to create a normal tissue -like structure. This success is an indication that this technique can become a new option for cancer treatment in future.
Prospects in other cancers
This experiment was done on colorectal cancer, but scientists believe that this technique can also be effective on other cancers such as lungs and breast cancer. Because almost every cancer goes through a condition where the cell is not completely normal nor completely cancerous. This is the time when Revert technology can prevent cancer. Along with this, modern technologies like CRISPR gene editing can jointly open the way for personal (personalized) cancer treatment in future.
Useful even beyond cancer
Interestingly, Revert is not limited to cancer only. It can also be used in stem-cell research and regenerative medicine. When stam-cell scientists try to create new tissue or limbs, cells often move in the wrong direction. Techniques like Revert can help keep them in the right direction.
Further challenges
However, this discovery is still in the initial stage. The real challenge will be – taking it to clinical trials. Because cancer cells inside the body are very rapidly mutated (changed). They may bypass this switch. In addition, any new technology will have to live up to the test of safety and durability before comprehensive use.
New ray of hope
Millions of people around the world are struggling with cancer. Current cure, even if you save life, but their side effects often affect the quality of life. At such a time this discovery is like a new light. If this technique is successful, then the treatment of cancer in the future will be based not only on “killing” but “improve”. That is, the patient will not have to undergo tedious and harmful processes like chemotherapy and radiation. This discovery of Revert technology and molecular switch can not only write a new chapter for the treatment of cancer but also shows the ability of science where things that seem impossible are possible.
