Connecticut scientists explore Micro RNA in cancer cells and stem cells

In Connecticut, home to Yale University, University of Connecticut and Wesleyan University dozens of scientists are studying stem cells - a field of research that is believed to hold the key to curing many types of diseases. Among them is Jun Lu, a professor of genetics at Yale, who is currently exploring micro RNA in cancer cells and stem cells.

From work conducted on acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow, scientists have learned that not all cancer cells are the same. Using mouse models, they discovered that the cancer cells could be separated into two types, with one group of cells producing leukemia when injected into the animals and a second group of cells unable to produce the disease. Their research led to a new understanding of cancer, specifically that there are smaller group of cancer cells that create new tumor cells, almost like a general commanding an army, while the majority of the cancer cells carry out the work of soldiers. Unlike traditional methods of treatment, in which the goal is to kill as many cancer cells as possible, researchers are looking at ways to target the controlling cells - called cancer stem cells - and destroy those.

Dr. Lu's work is involved in studying the tiny, but powerful micro RNA cells, which play a key role in regulating genetics - and possibly cancer. Micro RNA determines which genes are turned on and which are not, thereby deciding which "genetic blueprint" is built. According to Lu, who has long been convinced of a link between cancer and stem cells, micro RNA molecules are "the masters of the masters" or the master switches to an individual's genetics. He believes they may act as the master switches for cancer as well and is studying the theory that cancer is caused by something going wrong with these molecules. The goal is to better understand the role that micro RNA plays in cancer. If stem cell research is able to show that mutations of specific micro RNA lead certain genes to be turned on abnormally, thereby causing cancer, scientists may be able to develop treatment that stops the mutated micro RNA from impelling the gene to produce cancer.

Dr. Lu and his colleagues are looking at which genes lead to cancer and which micro RNA molecules control them. Their experiments involve putting different genes into mouse bone marrow cells and implanting them in mice to see if tumors develop. They are also working on trying similar experiments using human cells and a special type of mice bred to tolerate human cells. While it is too early to consider testing his theory on humans, Dr. Lu is dedicated to gaining a better understanding of the similarities and differences between stem and cancer cells, which he feels will provide invaluable insights into cancer - possibility providing a window that may shed light onto cures for the disease.

News Release: Yale professor exploring links between stem cells, cancer http://www.courant.com/health/hc-stem-cell-jun-lu-0712.artjul12,0,7513815.story July 2, 2009