A team of researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden has identified a molecule that can help the intestine heal after damage, while at the same time suppressing the growth of tumors in the intestine. colorectal cancer. This discovery lays the foundation for the development of new targeted therapies inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colon cancer.
Given the lack of response of many patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitisto the available treatments, the need arises to look for new therapeutic strategies. In a study published in “Nature” magazine, Scientists suggest that promoting the regeneration of the intestinal mucosa could be an effective alternative conventional immunosuppressive drugs.
However, this approach carries the risk of inducing uncontrolled tumor growth, as cancer cells can take advantage of the body’s natural healing processes.
The lead author of the study, Srustidhar Das, group research specialist led by Eduardo Villablanca at the Department of Medicine of the Karolinska Institute, highlights: “We have now identified a molecule that can help the intestine heal after damage, while at the same time suppressing tumor growth in colorectal cancer.”
Activation of the liver X receptor (LXR).
The researchers found that the activation of a protein called Liver X receptor (LXR) can promote tissue regeneration and, in turn, inhibit tumor growth in colorectal cancer. Eduardo J. Villablanca, professor at the Karolinska Institute and last author of the study, says: “The discovery of both functions was surprising. Now we need to study more closely how LXR controls tumor formation.”
Advanced technologies used in the study
To carry out this research, the team used a number of cutting-edge techniques, such as intestinal cell transcriptome mapping and 3D organoid culture, small, three-dimensional cellular structures that mimic the function and structure of organs on a miniature scale.
Furthermore, they applied spatial transcriptomics to map gene expression in different tissues, a methodology developed at SciLifeLab by scientists from the University of Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and the Karolinska Institute itself.
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How can new therapeutic strategies improve treatment for inflammatory bowel disease?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Recent Discoveries in Gastrointestinal Health
Editor: Good morning, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we are fortunate to have with us Dr. Srustidhar Das, a leading researcher from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. Dr. Das, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Das: Good morning! Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Your recent study published in “Nature” has generated quite a buzz in the medical community. Can you tell us about the molecule your team identified and its potential impact on intestinal health?
Dr. Das: Certainly! We discovered a specific molecule that shows promise in promoting the healing of the intestinal lining while simultaneously suppressing tumor growth associated with colorectal cancer. This dual action could significantly influence how we approach treatments for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colon cancer.
Editor: That sounds groundbreaking! Many patients with IBD, particularly those suffering from diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, don’t respond well to existing treatments. How does your discovery offer new hope?
Dr. Das: Absolutely, the need for innovative therapeutic strategies has never been more apparent. Our findings suggest that enhancing the regeneration of the intestinal mucosa could serve as an effective alternative to conventional immunosuppressive drugs, which often have limited effectiveness and undesirable side effects.
Editor: It’s great to hear about alternative strategies, but you also mentioned concerns regarding uncontrolled tumor growth. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Das: Yes, it’s a critical balance. While promoting mucosal healing is essential, it also presents a risk; cancer cells can exploit the body’s natural healing processes for their advantage. Our team is working diligently to better understand how to harness this healing without inadvertently supporting tumorigenesis.
Editor: Conversations about balancing healing and cancer risk are crucial. What are the next steps in your research?
Dr. Das: We’re focused on further validating our results through preclinical studies. The ultimate goal is to ensure that we can safely target this new molecule for therapeutic applications and assess its long-term safety and efficacy in human subjects.
Editor: Fascinating! It seems like there’s a lot of potential for this research. How do you see the future of targeted therapies in this field evolving?
Dr. Das: I believe we are on the cusp of a new era where precision medicine can play a significant role in treating both IBD and colon cancer. By understanding individual patient profiles and how different molecules can work synergistically, we can tailor treatments that are not only effective but also minimize the risks associated with traditional therapies.
Editor: That’s a hopeful perspective! Before we wrap up, what message do you have for patients currently struggling with IBD and cancer?
Dr. Das: I want to emphasize that research is ongoing and rapidly advancing. If you’re struggling with these conditions, I encourage you to stay informed about new treatments and maintain open communication with your healthcare providers. There’s hope on the horizon, and we’re committed to finding solutions that truly make a difference.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Das, for your insights and for your important work in this field. We look forward to following your research and the impact it will undoubtedly have on patients’ lives.
Dr. Das: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this vital topic.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in to Time.news. Stay informed with us for more updates on health and science!