For the first time, researchers found a new way of killing cancer cells using artificial DNA. The technique could pave the way for a cure in the future.
How is artificial DNA used for killing cancer cells?
As per a new study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, researchers from the University of Tokyo were able to use artificial DNA for eliminating cancer cells. They used hairpin-shaped chemically-synthesized cells for killing cells derived from human breast and cervical cancer. Additionally, the DNA pairs were tested against melanoma cells in mice. The team, led by Assistant Professor Kunihiko Morihiro and Professor Akimitsu Okamoto from the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Engineering derived inspiration to move away from conventionally used anti-cancer drugs.
“We thought that if we can create new drugs that work by a different mechanism of action from that of conventional drugs, they may be effective against cancers that have been untreatable up to now,” stated Okamoto. Nucleic acids are not generally used for treating cancer. This is because it is difficult for DNA and RNA to differentiate between healthy and cancer cells. Hence, it held a risk of affecting the immune system if healthy cells were attacked accidentally.
More on the new cancer therapy
Cancer cells are known for overexpressing. This means they create several copies of proteins such as DNA and RNA, making them function abnormally. Hence to mitigate uncontrolled growth the scientist from Tokyo created artificial oncolytic or DNA pairs known as oHPs. A hairpin-shaped DNA was injected into the cancerous cells, triggering the oHPs to form longer DNA strands. When this artificial DNA encounters miR-21, the molecules unravel and create an immune response. miR-21 is a type of microRNA overproduced in some types of cancers. These long DNA chains kill cancerous cells and prevent further growth.
As per researchers, this interaction is offering “a new class of nucleic acid drug candidates. And with a mechanism that is completely different from known nucleic acid drugs”. “The results of this study are good news for doctors, drug discovery researchers, and cancer patients. As we believe it will give them new options for drug development and medication policies. Next, we will aim for drug discovery based on the results of this research. And examine in detail the drug efficacy, toxicity, and potential administration methods,” added Okamoto.