2023-08-15 18:49:00
Genetically Modified Bacteria Can Detect Cancer Cells, Scientists Say
An international team of scientists, including researchers from the United States and Australia, have made a breakthrough in cancer detection using genetically modified bacteria. In a study published in the journal Science, the team explains how they utilized CRISPR technology to modify a bacterium, allowing it to detect cancer cells in even the most challenging locations.
The bacterium, known as A. baylyi, naturally possesses the ability to incorporate free-floating DNA from its environment into its own genome, enabling it to produce new proteins and grow. Building on this capability, the scientists made precise modifications to the bacterium’s genome, introducing long stretches of DNA resembling that of human cancer cells. These modified bacteria act like one side of a zipper, attaching to and capturing cancer DNA.
In a remarkable success, the researchers detected cancer in the intestines of mice using their genetically modified bacteria. This breakthrough opens the possibility for the development of a blood test that can identify tumors in hard-to-detect areas. For instance, colon cancer often lacks symptoms in its early stages, resulting in late diagnoses. Typically, the disease can only be detected through methods such as stool tests or colonoscopies.
Josephine Wright, a researcher from the University of Adelaide, expressed her awe at the bacteria’s ability to take up tumor DNA when viewed under the microscope. The team believes that this technology could not only aid in cancer detection but also potentially be used for cancer treatment in the future.
Siddhartha Mukherjee, an oncologist from Columbia University who was not involved in the study, commented on its significance. He stated that in the future, diseases will be treated and prevented by cells rather than pills. The development of living bacteria capable of detecting gastrointestinal cancers and various other types of cancer presents a tremendous opportunity for early detection and intervention.
The use of CRISPR technology in genetic modifications continues to revolutionize scientific research, offering new possibilities in various fields, including medicine. As scientists delve deeper into its potential applications, advancements like this hold the promise of improving cancer detection and treatment, ultimately saving countless lives.]
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