Korean Scientists Developed a Technology to Turn Tumor Cells Back into Normal Cells

Key Details of the Discovery

Research Team and Institution

• The research was led by Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho from the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

Methodology

• The team created a digital twin of the gene network associated with the differentiation trajectory of normal cells.
• Through simulation analysis, they identified master molecular switches that induce normal cell differentiation.
• These switches, when applied to colon cancer cells, caused the cancer cells to revert to a normal-like state.

Verification

• The results were confirmed through molecular and cellular experiments as well as animal studies.

Significance of the Discovery

Novel Approach to Cancer Treatment

• This technology represents a shift from conventional cancer therapies that focus on destroying cancer cells.
• Instead, it converts cancer cells into a state resembling normal cells without killing them, potentially avoiding side effects.

Potential Applications

• The findings hold promise for developing reversible cancer therapies that could be applied to various types of cancer.

Expert Commentary
Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho stated, "The fact that cancer cells can be converted back to normal cells is an astonishing phenomenon. This study proves that such reversion can be systematically induced". This discovery marks a significant advancement in cancer research and could potentially revolutionize cancer treatment approaches in the future