Russian and Swedish scientists have found a way to kill cancer cells

Biologists from the National University of Lomonosov (MGU) and Swedish colleagues found out when dividing into these cells the substances involved in the process are called "catastrophes." cell division ".

RIA Novosti on November 30 led an article published in the Scientific Reports, in which MGU biology professor Boris Zhivotovsky said that if a small amount of radioactive material is introduced into normal cells, the cell can turn into a cell. cells in the "cell division catastrophe" in which cells increase volume and start dividing, and lead to the development of tumors.

A large number of cancer cells appear due to the breakdown of the p53 gene. This is a gene that synthesizes proteins, which are responsible for the integrity of the genetic information, and when the DNA structure is destroyed the cell will produce a self-destructive mechanism (Apoptosis) . So the cancer cells that carry the p53 gene that is destroyed will be very difficult to destroy - simply because they don't have a self-destructive mechanism.

Cancer cell.

However, there is another self-destruct mechanism, such as cell death (entosis) and "mitotic catastrophe". Biologists have observed that 'cell division catastrophe' causes the size of cells to spike, the appearance of redundant cells and death at the beginning of division, and the DNA structure is also destroyed. serious.

Scientists call "cell division catastrophe" as one of the body's defense mechanisms to destroy cells when it turns into cancerous structures and becomes a threat to life.

Professor Boris Zhivotovsky and his colleagues studied the role of mitochondria - a type of station that supplies energy to cells - in the process. They are involved in starting Apoptosis, from which scientists have thought of using mitochondria both in the process of "mitotic catastrophe".

They synthesized two anticancer agents including doxorubicin, which produces bacteria-streptomycetes and alkaloid colcemide obtained from a flower, both of which have destructive properties of the two major phases of the cell division cycle. .

The experiment showed that the synthesis of the two substances forced about 80% of cancer cells to self-destruct during the division process.

Cellular experiments show that "cell division catastrophe" does not lead to cell death, but cells die on their own. Second, to start the mitotic catastrophe just stop supplying oxygen to the mitochondria and force them to produce two 'death proteins' - Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL.

Currently Professor Boris Zhivotovsky and his colleagues are testing some of the links that can lead to the cell's reaction without touching other healthy cells.

If the tests are successful, scientists hope to create a new generation of anticancer drugs that are far more effective than current chemotherapy or radiation therapy.