Key Takeaways
- Genetic Link to Gliomas – Researchers identified a DNA alteration (rs55705857) that increases glioma risk and speeds up tumor growth.
- Faster Tumor Development – In animal models, gliomas formed twice as fast when this alteration was present.
- Beyond Brain Cancer – The findings may apply to other cancers and diseases influenced by genetic changes.
- Potential for Early Detection – Understanding this genetic alteration could help doctors diagnose gliomas before surgery.
- Future Treatment Possibilities – Targeting rs55705857 may lead to new glioma therapies in the future.
Researchers have reported finding a hint that could help in the prevention and treatment of brain tumors that are called gliomas.
Brain Tumors
A glioma is a type of tumor that is seen in the brain or spinal cord. It usually starts in glial cells, which support the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas are a very common form of central nervous system (CNS) tumors and can be a threat to life.
This new work led by researchers from the Lunenfeld-Tannenbaum Research Institute (LTRI) at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto; Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine provides crucial information about the biological changes that underlie the growth of gliomas.
The research appeared in the journal Science.
Working out alterations
According to researchers, there are numerous alterations – probably thousands – occurring outside genes that are linked to cancer and other disorders. Dr. Daniel Schramek, a co-lead author of this new study, noted that the mechanism of action involved in only a tiny fraction of these alterations is understood.
In animal models, the research team found that a change in DNA called germline alteration rs55705857 resulted in a more frequent occurrence of gliomas. The alteration also caused tumors to develop faster (in half the time), compared to when it is absent.
“While we understand much of the biologic function of germline alterations within genes that code for proteins, we know very little about the biologic function of germline alterations outside of genes that code for proteins,” said Dr. Robert Jenkins, a genetics researcher in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic. “In some way, these germline alterations interact with other mutations in cells to accelerate tumor formation.”
Dr. Schramek, an LTRI Kieran & Janigan Research Chair, noted that the researchers expected rs55705857 to speed up the development of low-grade gliomas. However, they were amazed by the degree of acceleration observed.
These findings apply not only to brain tumors but also to other types of cancer and diseases.
FAQs on Glioma Research and Genetic Alterations
What is a glioma?
A glioma is a type of brain or spinal cord tumor that starts in glial cells, which support the central nervous system.
What did researchers discover about gliomas?
They found that a DNA alteration called rs55705857 increases the risk of glioma and speeds up tumor growth.
How does this alteration affect tumor formation?
It interacts with other mutations in cells, accelerating tumor development in animal models by up to twice the usual speed.
Why is this discovery important?
It helps scientists understand how noncoding genetic changes contribute to gliomas and could lead to new diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Does this research only apply to brain tumors?
No, these findings may also be relevant to other cancers and diseases caused by genetic alterations.
Can this discovery help in early detection?
Yes, understanding rs55705857 may improve clinicians’ ability to detect gliomas before surgery.
Will this lead to new treatments?
Researchers hope to develop therapies that target this genetic alteration in the future.
Related Reading:
Brain Cancer: A Promising New Treatment for Destroying Aggressive Glioblastoma Cell
Brain Cancer: Researchers Reprogram Immune Cells to Improve the Effectiveness of Treatment
Final thoughts
The research provides fresh insights that could aid clinicians when trying to figure out the presence of gliomas in patients before surgery. It also shows that it is possible to understand the action mechanism of many alterations that are yet to be understood using modern molecular or cell biology tools.
Dr. Jenkins stated that the knowledge of rs55705857’s mechanism of action could lead to future therapies that target the alteration.
Read Also: Brain Cancer: Robotic Worms Could Soon Be Used to Destroy Tumors
References
Connor Yanchus et al. ,A noncoding single-nucleotide polymorphism at 8q24 drives IDH1-mutant glioma formation.Science378,68-78(2022). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abj2890
