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Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in cancer research by identifying a key enzyme that, when blocked, can stop the growth of tumors in animal models with no apparent harm to healthy tissues. The findings, published in Cancer Cell and led by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Medicine, could pave the way for new, targeted cancer therapies.
The study focused on hexokinase-2 (HK2), an enzyme involved in glucose metabolism that is found in high concentrations in cancer cells but is largely absent in normal adult tissues. Hexokinase-2 is abundant during embryonic development but, in adults, related enzymes typically take over its metabolic role. Cancer cells, however, reactivate HK2, making it a unique marker and potential target for treatment.
In laboratory experiments, researchers deleted the gene responsible for HK2 in adult mice. The results were striking: these mice were unable to develop or sustain tumors in lung and breast cancer models, yet they remained healthy and lived normal lifespans. Even when researchers eliminated HK2 from human lung and breast cancer cells in the lab, the cancer cells stopped growing.
“We have deleted the HK2 gene systemically in these mice, and they have been living for more than two years now. Their lifespan is the same as normal mice,” said Nissim Hay, UIC professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics and a lead author of the study.
The researchers believe that HK2 is crucial for cancer cells to produce the building blocks needed for DNA synthesis, which is essential for their rapid division. Without HK2, cancer cells cannot generate enough DNA for new cells, effectively halting tumor growth.
This approach addresses a long-standing challenge in cancer therapy: targeting cancer metabolism without causing adverse effects in healthy tissues. Previous attempts to disrupt glucose metabolism have been controversial due to potential side effects, but this study suggests that HK2 inhibition could be both effective and safe.
The research was supported by multiple grants, including from the National Institutes of Health and the VA Merit Award, and involved collaborators from several institutions worldwide.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on research findings published in peer-reviewed journals and is intended for informational purposes only. The results described are from laboratory and animal studies and have not yet been tested in human clinical trials. Further research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of targeting HK2 in humans. Consult your healthcare provider for advice on cancer treatment options.
