Researchers from BRIC, University of Copenhagen, have identified some of the key molecular mechanisms that trigger cancer and ageing. When the level of a certain protein becomes too low, the cells age. However, when the levels are increased, the risc for the development of cancer is also increased. That impedes ageing, but increases the risc of cancer. The results are published in the current issue of Genes & Development.

Age versus Cancer

The stem cells in our body must balance their ability to continually renew our tissues against the risk of developing cancer. It is the key molecular events at the heart of this that the BRIC researchers have identified.

The research team has shown that a protein, called EZH2, is required to turn off two key tumour suppressor genes. In aging cells or cells exposed to stress, such as oxidants or DNA damaging agents, the EZH2 protein disappears, leading to increased expression of the two tumour suppressor genes which trigger either cell death or a state called “cellular senescence”. Cellular senescence is a natural process occurring in the aging body, and the researchers have identified a main switch regulating this process.

Not a cure for ageing

Unfortunately, a cure for aging is not immediately available, since the BRIC researchers and other research teams previously have shown that increased EZH2 levels contribute to the development of many types of cancer. The new results from the BRIC team therefore suggest EZH2 contributes to cancer by prolonging stem cell survival. The trick now will be to understand if this knowledge can help towards developing therapies that will target the cancer cells and not our stem cells.

The research was carried out by Dr. Adrian P. Bracken and a research team led by Professor and Director of BRIC Kristian Helin.

Contact:

Professor Kristian Helin, BRIC, phone: + 45 28 10 26 52 or email: kristian.helin @ bric.dk

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