Scientists at the University of East Anglia have discovered that cells are able to switch their genetic profile. This was discovered while researchers used human vein cells in experiments to form capillaries cultured in various environments similar to the body. When the vein cells formed tube structures, they appeared to switch their genetic profile by turning off genes expressed in blood vessel cells and by turning on genes specific to lymphatic cells. They also discovered that the cell's identity changed based on the particular environment it was in, and that this "switch" can be reversed.
This new discovery can be very important to scientists, since many of them may have been researching lymphatic cells rather than the blood vessel cells that they thought they were studying. By studying the correct cells, researchers and scientists can test potential anti-cancer drugs and other new treatments.
That article was an eye opener. I especially liked when Dr Cooley said: "We have discovered that when vein cells form tube structures, they appear to "switch" their genetic profile, turning off genes expressed by blood vessel cells, and turning on genes specific to lymphatic vessels."
ReplyDeleteI can see how that this discovery can lead to potential anti-cancer drugs, but I see the discovery benefits being used quicker to treat illnesses due to bacteria, germs, and virus' such as the flu first. If there is a treatment for diseases and illnesses due to bacteria, germs, and virus' this discovery may increase the rate of the treatments having lower negative effects that a patient may suffer through.
By studying the effects of blood vessel cells turning on genes specific to lymphatic vessels we may find a way to increase lymphatic cells by converting to them from blood vessel cells manually so their may be quicker Lymphatic benefits. By also increasing the amount the body may move toxins away from healthy cells a lot faster and carrying germ-fighting materials like lymphocytes to cells when they are under attack by viruses and flushes them out faster and effectively from tissues and organs due to the drainage system.
What a great breakthrough! It is so exciting when research takes on a new "twist" in our understanding of cancer cells. Dr. Judah Folkman was a pioneer in redirecting our understanding of cancer cells and their role in angiogenesis. It is really interesting to see how research is now showing even more of a twist in the abilities these cells have to take over our bodies. Drugs like endostatin and other angiogenesis inhibitors are founded on the principle of inhibiting new blood vessel growth to cancerous cells. I am anxious to see how these new findings on the "switch" from blood vessels to lymphocytes can shift research from angiogenesis drugs to a more appropriate inhibitor. Check out the video, Cancer Warrior, which thoroughly explains Dr. Folkman's discovery of angiogenesis and compare it with this new research on cells switching. So cool! I'm geeked out! Thanks for sharing.
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