Collagen, a protein that makes up skin, blood vessels, bones, and cartilage, is widely known as a beneficial ingredient that prevents skin aging. However, research results have shown that collagen may have a negative effect on cancer metastasis in cancer patients.
Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) recently announced that Professor Nam Jeong-seok’s research team in the Department of Life Sciences confirmed that collagen is involved in the tumor malignant mechanism of the cancer metastasis protein ‘disadherin’.
‘Disadherin’ is a protein expressed only in cancer, and it’s expression level was found to be notably high in highly invasive and metastatic cancers, so it is classified as a cancer metastasis protein in the disease genome database of the US National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). Cancer recurs. It is indeed a disease that is tough to treat due to metastasis. Most deaths from cancer occur not when primary cancer first occurs in a specific organ, but when the function of essential organs is damaged due to metastasis. Therefore, it is very crucial to identify the cancer metastasis mechanism and establish new treatment strategies to control it.
In a previous study in 2022, the research team revealed that disadherin induces cancer malignancy and metastasis through cell signal conversion, and discovered a peptide anticancer drug that inhibits this.
Based on previous research, through analysis of single cell open data and clinical tissue analysis of colon cancer patients, the research team found that disedherin plays an critically important role in collagen remodeling, a representative component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the tumor microenvironment. It was established that it does.Collagen remodeling refers to structural changes such as decomposition and rearrangement of collagen. Additionally, it was revealed that the higher the malignancy of the cancer, the more actively
The research team created humanized mice (mice transplanted with human cells or tissues) and found that collagen remodeling mediated by signaling between dysedherin and MMP9 promotes immunosuppression and angiogenesis, contributing to the formation of a cancer cell-friendly tumor microenvironment. Professor Nam Jeong-seok, who guided the research, said, “This study identified a new mechanism that promotes malignant transformation and metastasis of cancer through changes in the tumor microenvironment caused by disedherin, a cancer metastasis protein. “It is of great significance,” he explained. “We expect this to contribute to laying the foundation for a new treatment strategy that can control tumor malignancy and metastasis in the future.”
This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea’s Mid-career Researcher Support Project, Biomedical Technology Development Project, IRC Leading Research Center Support Project, and GIST GRI Project, and was supported by international academic journals. Nature CommunicationsIt was published on the 30th of last month.
Choi Hyun-jeong, Donga.com reporter [email protected]
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How does collagen remodeling influence the tumor microenvironment and cancer progression?
Title: The Double-Edged Sword of Collagen: An Interview with professor nam jeong-seok
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Professor Nam Jeong-seok. Your recent research has unveiled some remarkable findings about collagen, a substance we often associate with beauty and skin health. Can you start by explaining how your team linked collagen with cancer metastasis?
Professor Nam jeong-seok (PNS): Thank you for having me. Collagen is indeed most commonly recognized for its role in skin elasticity and youthful appearance. Though, our research at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology has shown that collagen can also facilitate the spread of cancer. We specifically focused on the protein known as ‘disadherin’, which is expressed in highly invasive cancers.Our findings indicate that disadherin interacts with collagen in a way that alters the tumor microenvironment, promoting processes like angiogenesis and immunosuppression.
TNE: That’s quite troubling, especially considering how widely collagen supplements are marketed. What exactly is disadherin’s role in cancer progression?
PNS: Disadherin was found to be critically involved in collagen remodeling within the tumor microenvironment.This remodeling refers to changes in the structure and institution of collagen that can influence how tumors grow and spread.In our previous studies, we observed that disadherin induces malignancy in cancer cells through various signaling pathways. Our recent research supports the idea that disadherin enhances the invasive properties of tumors by remodeling collagen—a factor integral to the extracellular matrix.
TNE: Its captivating how a single protein can have such a significant impact on cancer behavior. Given these findings, what implications do you foresee for treatment strategies?
PNS: Identifying the mechanisms of cancer metastasis is crucial for developing new treatment strategies. our research has highlighted the potential for targeting disadherin and its interactions with collagen to disrupt the tumor microenvironment. We believe that creating therapies that inhibit this interaction could slow down or even prevent metastasis, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
TNE: You mentioned the use of humanized mice in your studies. How has this innovative approach helped to deepen your understanding of collagen’s role in cancer?
PNS: Humanized mice allow us to observe human-specific interactions in a living organism, which is invaluable. Through our experiments, we discovered that collagen remodeling mediated by the signaling between disadherin and another molecule, MMP9, leads to an surroundings that supports tumor growth. This approach provided clearer insights into the dynamics of human cancer pathology, bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical implications.
TNE: The concept of immunosuppression is particularly alarming. Can you elaborate on how collagen remodeling contributes to this effect?
PNS: Certainly. When disadherin mediates collagen remodeling, it creates a tumor-friendly microenvironment that suppresses immune responses. This immunosuppression enables cancer cells to thrive and evade detection by the immune system.Essentially, the structural changes in collagen facilitate the advancement of an ecosystem within the tumor that shields it from immune surveillance.
TNE: As we wrap up our interview, what message would you like to send to our readers regarding collagen and cancer treatment?
PNS: I think it’s crucial for the public to understand that while collagen has benefits for skin health, our research highlights a darker side when it comes to cancer. As we continue to uncover the complex roles these proteins play in disease, it’s vital for both patients and healthcare professionals to stay informed about emerging research. Future treatments may require a more nuanced understanding of such components in our bodies to combat diseases like cancer more effectively.
TNE: Thank you, Professor Nam, for sharing your important insights. We look forward to seeing how your research contributes to the fight against cancer in the future.
PNS: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep the conversation going about these essential yet complex topics in science.