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Superhuman protein discovery pushes us one step closer to cancer vaccine, study shows
Western University may have discovered a protein that could lead to a vaccine for cancer, better crop protection, and even shielding from UV radiation.
Cancer is one of the most prevalent and heartbreaking health conditions that plague humanity, with projections suggesting that 2 million more people will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in 2024. Though research has come a long way in recent years, including the recent discovery that diabetes medicines can reduce the risk, more study is needed in our quest for a cure.
The discovered protein is basically a superhero
Cancer rates are expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, with men in particular seeing a 93% increase by 2050. For that reason, further scientific research into cancer has never been more vital.
A new study from Western University, published in the Nucleic Acids Research journal at the end of July, suggested that a little-known protein could be the ultimate bodyguard for DNA you’ve been asking for.
The protein, crudely named DdrC (DNA Damage Repair Protein C), comes from a bacteria known as Deinococcus radiodurans.
Deinococcus radiodurans itself is a miraculous microbe that is able to withstand radiation levels 5,000 to 10,000 times stronger than levels human cells can handle. Not only that but when scanning along your body, the bacterium can identify and clamp down on damaged DNA to repair it.
Drawing an analogy based on sports, lead researcher Robert Szabla explained: Its as if you had a player in the NFL who plays every game without a helmet or pads. Hed end up with a concussion and multiple broken bones every single game, but then miraculously make a full recovery overnight in time for practice the next day.
While most proteins work together, DdrC is a lone wolf on its conquest for optimal health. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a team player, as it’s also able to transfer its superpowers to other organisms.
The applications of the microbe go far beyond cancer
Because DdrC works as a beacon, signaling to other cells that an area needs some TLC, the protein could be used to form a sort of vaccine for cancer that boosts our cells’ ability to prevent DNA damage. Considering cancer is one of the biggest killers, such hope is inspiring.
Other applications could include infusing crops with health to fight off climate change and open up further treatment options for diseases that are caused by DNA damage like Neurodegenerative disorders.
The ability to rearrange and edit and manipulate DNA in specific ways is the holy grail in biotechnology, said Robert Szabla. What if you had a scanning system such as DdrC which patrolled your cells and neutralized damage when it happened? This might form the basis of a potential cancer vaccine.
Outside of DdrC’s magical abilities, scientists hope to find even more proteins and microbes hiding in plain sight.
