NYU Abu Dhabi Research Illuminates Cellular Responses to Cancer-Causing Genes
A groundbreaking study reveals that cancer-causing genes trigger diverse cellular responses, with significant implications for the development of more targeted cancer therapies.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have made a significant discovery regarding how cells respond to cancer-causing genes, with findings that could reshape approaches to cancer treatment. The study, published in EMBO Reports, demonstrates that a single cancer-causing gene can trigger markedly different cellular responses, with some cells activating protective mechanisms whilst others may progress towards malignancy.
The research team employed a zebrafish model of liver cancer to investigate the initial cellular responses to cancer-causing genes. Their investigations revealed a nuanced picture: whilst some precancerous cells enter a state of terminal senescence—a natural cellular defence mechanism in which damaged cells cease dividing—others retain the capacity to resume cell division and potentially contribute to tumour development.
Cellular senescence represents an important tumour-suppressive function inherent to all cells. However, conventional chemotherapies frequently induce senescence in cancer cells without fully eliminating them, leaving residual senescent cells that may pose ongoing risks. This has prompted growing interest in senolytics—specialised drugs designed to eliminate therapy-induced senescent cells.
The NYU Abu Dhabi team tested a commonly used senolytic agent to assess its effectiveness against senescent precancerous cells. The results proved revealing: whilst the treatment proved effective against certain senescent cell populations, it demonstrated limited efficacy against others. This differential response underscores the complexity of senescent cell biology and carries profound implications for treatment development.
Professor Kirsten Sadler Edepli, Professor of Biology at NYU Abu Dhabi and senior author of the study, observed: “Cancer is not simply a matter of whether a cell stops dividing or continues to grow. Our study shows that there are different types of cellular senescence, and depending on the type acquired by a precancerous cell, the outcome can make the difference between turning into a cancer cell or not. We also show that these different forms of senescent cells have very different responses to treatments, which is very important when developing and applying cancer therapies.”
Notably, the research benefited from the contributions of undergraduate capstone researchers, demonstrating the valuable role that emerging scholars can play in advancing high-impact scientific discovery when afforded genuine engagement with significant research questions and supported by dedicated mentors.
The investigation was conducted by NYU Abu Dhabi researchers in collaboration with the University’s Centre for Genomics and Systems Biology, under the leadership of Research Scientist Elena Magnani, who mentored the undergraduate students through their capstone projects. These findings provide essential new insights into cellular responses when cancer-causing genes are activated, potentially enabling researchers to develop more sophisticated and targeted approaches to cancer treatment that account for the heterogeneity of senescent cell populations.
Source: WAM