This is the first time scientists have created a hairpin-shaped DNA strand capable of activating a natural immune response to target and kill malignant cells.
Scientists have developed a novel method for utilizing DNA to kill cancer cells, which could pave the path for a cure for the condition.
Details about a new method of eliminating cancer cells could pave the road for a cure
In mice, the approach specifically targets human cervical cancer and breast cancer-derived cells, as well as malignant melanoma cells.
It employs a pair of hair clip-shaped cancer-killing DNA delivered into cancer cells.
When they were put into them, they linked to microRNA molecules, which are overproduced in certain malignancies.
When they were linked to the microRNA, they unraveled and generated larger chains of DNA, resulting in an immunological response.
The immune system identified the overproduction of microRNA cells as hazardous, triggering a normal immune response that eliminated the cancer cells.
According to the Japanese researchers, their method is unique and could usher in a new era of breakthrough cancer treatments.
Cancer is a common health concern, and conventional treatments have limitations, but medications based on DNA and RNA are likely to help scientists eventually overcome it.
This is due to the fact that DNA and RNA are important information-carrying molecules that can regulate the biological function of cells.
They are predicted to change the face of medicine and aid in the treatment of other difficult-to-treat ailments caused by viruses and genetic diseases.
It has proven challenging to use DNA and RNA to treat cancer because it is difficult to distinguish between malignant and healthy cells.
This means that if healthy cells are assaulted, the patient’s immune system may suffer.
This was the first time, however, that scientists were able to create a hairpin-shaped DNA strand capable of activating a natural immune response to target and kill specific malignant cells.
“The results of this study are wonderful news for doctors, drug discovery researchers, and cancer patients since we believe it will give them new possibilities for drug development and treatment policies,” said Professor Akimitsu Okamoto of the University of Tokyo, one of the study’s authors.
“We will then pursue drug discovery based on the findings of this study, thoroughly investigating medication efficacy, toxicity, and prospective administration modalities.”
The findings were published in the American Chemical Society Journal.
