Researchers from Tomsk State University, Siberian State Medical University, and Tomsk Cancer Research Institute have developed a new method for blocking malignant tumors as part of a large genetic research project supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The proposed approach is based on the use of microRNAs, molecules that regulate gene activity. The Nobel Prize was awarded to the researchers who discovered microRNAs in October. The team from Tomsk State University, Siberian State Medical University, and Tomsk Cancer Research Institute utilized these molecules as the foundation for a drug that inhibits the development of secondary tumors, which are the leading cause of death in cancer patients.
The researchers considered several options, including reprogramming the macrophages that the tumor attracts to its side and uses to form the microenvironment that enables its growth.
Ultimately, they decided to use microRNAs to directly influence tumor cells. These molecules, discovered by scientists, are short chains of 18-25 ribonucleotides that act as specific regulators of protein formation from certain genes. The Tomsk researchers' idea is to use microRNAs as a tool to block the synthesis of proteins that contribute to the transition of tumor cells to a "stem-like" state, which can lead to the development of secondary cancer. The researchers have created a drug form for intravenous administration, based on three double-stranded micromolecules.
However, the new drug must undergo all stages of preclinical and clinical trials, which require significant time and financial resources. Despite this, the new approach shows great promise in solving the problem of metastasis and has the potential to save and improve the lives of many cancer patients.
Julia Krzyszkowska, a researcher from TSU, Heidelberg University (Germany) and Siberian State Medical University is the leader of the project, which was carried out as part of the Federal Research Programme for Genetic Technologies Development of the Russian Federation (No. 075-15-2021-1073). The project was carried out at Siberian State Medical University. Tomsk Cancer Research Institute and Tomsk State University served as co-researchers.