Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 21, 2024 4 months, 1 day, 17 hours, 5 minutes ago
Cancer Updates: In recent research, scientists have explored a new form of cell death called ferroptosis, which is dependent on iron and plays a crucial role in the development of various cancers. This
Cancer Updates news report discusses groundbreaking findings on how ferroptosis can be targeted to treat cancers associated with the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), a well-known cancer-causing virus. The research team behind this study includes Dr Shan He, Dr Cheng Luo, Dr Feng Shi, Dr Jianhua Zhou, and Dr Li Shang from XiangYa Hospital, Central South University in China.
Iron-driven cell death could combat EBV-linked tumors
What is Ferroptosis?
Ferroptosis is a type of programmed cell death that differs from other forms like apoptosis (cell suicide) and necrosis (cell injury leading to death). This process is driven by iron and characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides, leading to the destruction of cell membranes. The involvement of iron makes it distinct, and the morphological changes during ferroptosis include shrinkage of mitochondria, a decrease in mitochondrial cristae, and rupture of the outer mitochondrial membrane.
The Role of EBV in Cancer
EBV, discovered in the 1960s, is linked to several types of cancer, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), gastric carcinoma (GC), and various lymphomas such as Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) and Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). EBV manipulates host cell processes to promote cancer development, mainly through proteins like latent membrane proteins (LMP1, LMP2), EBV nuclear antigens, and non-coding RNAs. These viral components disrupt normal cellular functions, contributing to cancer progression and resistance to treatments.
Link Between Ferroptosis and EBV
The study reveals that EBV can affect ferroptosis in multiple ways, often helping cancer cells evade this type of cell death. EBV-induced proteins and RNAs can modulate key pathways involved in ferroptosis, such as:
-NRF2 Pathway: NRF2 is a protein that regulates the cell's antioxidant response. EBV increases NRF2 levels, which helps cancer cells survive by reducing oxidative stress and promoting iron storage, making them less susceptible to ferroptosis.
-TP53 Pathway: TP53, a well-known tumor suppressor gene, can both promote and inhibit ferroptosis. EBV manipulates TP53 activity, sometimes enhancing cancer cell survival by preventing ferroptosis.
-AMPK Pathway: AMPK is a key energy sensor in cells. EBV influences AMPK activity to help cancer cells manage energy stress and resist ferroptosis.
-Hypoxia-Inducible Factors (HIFs): In low oxygen conditions typical of tumor environments, HIFs help cells adapt and survive. EBV can activate HIF pathways, further protecting cancer cells from ferroptosis.
Implications for Cancer Therapy
The fin
dings suggest that targeting ferroptosis could be a powerful strategy against EBV-associated cancers. Here are some potential approaches based on the study:
-Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC): Inducing ferroptosis in NPC cells, which often exhibit high resistance to conventional therapies, could enhance treatment effectiveness. Compounds like cucurbitacin B and drugs like cephalosporin and itraconazole have shown promise in promoting ferroptosis in NPC cells, making them more vulnerable to treatment.
-EBV-Associated Gastric Cancer (EBVaGC): Quercetin, a natural compound, has been effective in inducing ferroptosis in EBVaGC cells. Combining ferroptosis inducers with existing therapies could improve outcomes for these patients.
-Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): DLBCL cells are highly sensitive to ferroptosis. Compounds like dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) induce ferroptosis in DLBCL cells, potentially offering new treatment avenues.
-Burkitt's Lymphoma (BL): BL cells, especially those positive for EBV, are particularly susceptible to ferroptosis. Artemisinin derivatives like artesunate have shown effectiveness in inducing ferroptosis in BL cells, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.
Conclusion and Future Directions
This study highlights the emerging role of ferroptosis in combating EBV-associated cancers. While EBV appears to promote cancer cell survival by inhibiting ferroptosis, leveraging this cell death pathway could offer new, effective treatments for these challenging cancers. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interactions between EBV and ferroptosis and to develop targeted therapies that can exploit these mechanisms.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Biology.
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/13/7/543
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