An international research team has uncovered a mechanism crucial to the growth of pancreatic cancer, potentially reshaping therapeutic approaches. The study, published in Cell, was led by Martin Eilers of the University of Würzburg, supported by Cancer Grand Challenges. Researchers discovered that the oncoprotein MYC, known for promoting tumour growth, also helps cancer cells evade immune detection by binding to RNA instead of DNA under stress conditions. This binding forms molecular condensates with exosome complexes, degrading RNA-DNA hybrids that would otherwise alert the immune system.
The study, involving collaborators from the University of Würzburg, MIT, and Würzburg University Hospital, highlights MYC’s dual role in cancer cell survival. “In many types of tumours, this protein is one of the central drivers of cell division and thus of uncontrolled tumour growth,” said Eilers. The research, funded by Cancer Research UK and other bodies, suggests that targeting MYC’s RNA-binding capability could expose tumours to immune attack without halting its growth-promoting function.
In animal models, genetically altering MYC’s RNA-binding region significantly reduced tumour size, provided the immune system was intact. This breakthrough offers a targeted approach to cancer therapy, avoiding the challenges faced when attempting to completely inhibit MYC, which is vital for healthy cells. Future drugs could focus on inhibiting MYC’s ability to bind RNA, thus lifting the tumour’s cloak of invisibility.
Despite the promising findings, Eilers cautions that further research is required to translate these insights into clinical applications. The next steps involve understanding the transport of immune-stimulating RNA-DNA hybrids out of the cell nucleus and how MYC’s RNA binding affects the tumour environment.
Dr David Scott, Director of Cancer Grand Challenges, praised the study, emphasising its potential impact on both adult and childhood cancers. He noted that the international collaboration exemplifies how diverse expertise can address complex cancer research challenges.
Cancer Grand Challenges, co-founded by Cancer Research UK and the National Cancer Institute, supports global research teams tackling significant obstacles in cancer research. With substantial funding, these teams are empowered to transcend traditional geographic and disciplinary boundaries, accelerating progress in the fight against cancer.
