The speed of cell division, an explanation for cancer?

If millions of cells in our body have mutations associated with cancer, not all mutated cells turn into tumors that would invade neighboring tissues. But then, what makes the scale tip? Why do some abnormal cells become cancerous? A new international study, published in the journal Naturebrings an unprecedented element of response: the speed at which cells divide could be decisive in the outbreak of cancer.

Cell division time as a key factor

Led by scientists from the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (Canada), in collaboration with several international institutions, the study highlights a new key factor in our vulnerability to cancer: the duration of the cell cycle, that is to say the time that a cell to divide. It appears indeed that the more a mutated cell is divided quickly, the more likely it seems to become cancerous. Conversely, a longer cycle would offer a form of protection.

“Our work suggests that we could intervene on cells predisposed to cancer to slow their pace a little thanks to the right therapeutic agents, Explain the researchers, controlled by Dr. Rod Bremner, in a statement. But we must first understand the mechanisms that regulate the speed of the cell cycle according to the types of cells. “

Slow down the rhythm of cells at risk before it is too late

One of the most striking aspects of this discovery is its transversal scope. Regardless of the organ concerned, the type of cancer or the moment of mutation during life: the duration of the cell cycle is imposed as a recurring indicator of the cancer potential. Experiments carried out on genetically modified mice to mimic small cell lung cancer have strengthened this hypothesis. The animal model has indeed made it possible to observe that cells which turn into cancer cells after division are always those which are divided as quickly.

“Our experiments have shown that shortening the cell cycle predicted the original cancer cell constantly, regardless of the organ concerned or the moment of mutation”confirm scientists.

Instead of attacking only cancer cells once they are identified, this discovery opens the way to a more preventive approach: slow down the rhythm of cells at risk before they cross the point of no return. “There is still a lot to learn from cells of cells that resist cancer, and we are just starting”conclude the authors.