Team of scientists discovers breakthrough in ageing process
Scientists from Cancer Research UK and the Breast Cancer Campaign say they have uncovered one of the secrets of ageing which could lead to new treatments for cancer. Writing in the journal Cell, the scientists reveal the existence of a previously unknown molecule, RAD51D, which prevents cells from dying when they should. While healthy cells have an inbuilt timer which means they divide a certain number of times before they die, cancer cells on the other hand have the ability to stop their timer, giving them an unlimited lifespan. Dr Madalena Tarsounas, who led the research, explained: 'Cancer has an amazing ability to shake off the shackles of ageing and death, which is one of the reasons why it can be so hard to treat.[...] Understanding how cancer cells remain eternally young has been a key focus of research for more than a decade, so it's particularly exciting to have made such a striking discovery. We have found evidence of a completely new mechanism for stopping the clock on a cancer cell's timer and preventing its lifespan from ticking down. It raises the possibility of starting the clock again and making cancer cells susceptible to death once more.' The team of scientists investigated how the cancer cells bypassed the natural ageing process thanks to a technique called immonofluoresence that observed the actions of various molecules in cancerous cells. One particular molecule, the RAD51D, appeared recurrently, suggesting it interferes with ageing. Indeed, when researchers blocked the molecule, the scientists found that significant genetic damage resulted, signifying accelerated ageing. 'Drugs to block the action RAD51D could potentially be effective against many different tumours, by stripping cancer cells of their immortality,' claims a Cancer Research UK statement. Dr Tarsounas suggested the new findings could pave the way to treating up to ten per cent of tumours, adding 'As well as opening the way to new types of treatment for cancer, our study has shed light on the complex but intriguing processes which control how and when we get old.'
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