A new study has been conducted in mice and humans by researchers at UCL, the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Cambridge. It has been published in Science. This study found that a population of basal cells found in the trachea outcompetes other cell types and become dominant. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is the second most common subtype.
In this study, these cells exhibit expressing a gene called Krt5 helps to build the structure of cells that LUSC eventually develops. According to the researchers, these findings raise the prospect of early lung cancer detection and thus, leading to its prevention in the near future. LUSC develops when the cells accumulate continuous damage from exposure to toxins. Thus, these cells become disorganized and form areas of damaged tissue in the lining of the airways.
Professor Sam Janes said, “In this study, we set out to understand the changes that occur prior to the development of lung squamous cell carcinoma and which cell type this cancer arises from.” The team labeled Krt5-expressing basal cells in two groups of mice. One group was exposed to carcinogens and some basal cells gradually multiple before spreading into the lungs. On the other hand, the control group basal cells and their descendants remained in their original location. The cell populations when exposed to carcinogens like those found in tobacco or smoke, the balance between different cell populations and types disrupts. These cells originated from just a few damaged basal cells in the trachea gradually become dominant and take over large areas of the lung.
The team aims to utilize this knowledge to develop tests for detecting the earliest steps towards lung cancer. This will play a pivotal role in development of new drugs to stop its occurrence and preventing its prospect in the future.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only.
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