Unraveling Cancer's Complex Web: Genes, Pathways, and New Treatment Ideas
The Puzzle of Cancer
Cancer is a complex puzzle, and scientists have been using a powerful tool called the Reactome Graph Database to better understand it. This tool helps them see how different genes interact within the body.
Mapping the Genes
Researchers examined:
- 862 genes known to cause cancer
- 324 genes associated with other diseases but often found in cancer patients
These genes act like players in a vast biological game, each with a unique role in different parts of the body.
Pathway Fingerprints
Scientists created pathway fingerprints to map where each gene plays its most significant role. They discovered that most cancer genes are crucial in Signal Transduction—the body's messaging system.
Rare Diseases and Cancer
Some of these genes are also linked to rare diseases. These genes often alter a part of the body's messaging system called R, a change frequently observed in cancer patients.
Comparing Disease Genes
By comparing the maps of cancer genes and other disease genes, scientists found that both types often work within the same messaging system. This suggests that other diseases might worsen cancer by disrupting this system.
Drug Targets and Combinations
Some of these genes are targeted by cancer drugs. By analyzing these targets and their interacting genes, scientists identified new drug combinations that could be more effective. For instance, they found that Desmopressin could enhance the effectiveness of Dasatinib.
Cancer's Impact on Messaging Systems
The study revealed that cancer primarily disrupts:
- The body's messaging system
- Gene regulation (turning genes on and off)
- Cell growth and development
New drug targets were also identified to address these disruptions.
Universal Cancer Gene Maps
Scientists created maps showing how these genes interact in different cancers. They found that some genes function similarly across various cancer types, which could lead to new treatments effective for multiple cancers.
