Korean researchers find new light on cancer development and its spread

A domestic research team has found a new mechanism that is related to the cause and metastasis of cancer.

A biological sciences team headed by Professor Baek Seong-hui at Seoul National University revealed on Sunday they have successfully determined that denaturation of “HIF-1” protein known to cause cancer regulates the cause and metastasis of cancer.

When fast-growing cancer cells come across blood vessels and cause the lack of oxygen, HIF-1 protein begins to be produced. The protein stimulates blood vessels to be formed and, therefore, allows cancer cells to be provided with more oxygen from the vessels, making them better survive.

The research team carried out its study, focusing on the features of HIF-1, which is produced when oxygen density is low. They have discovered when hydrogen atom contained in HIF-1 changes into methyl group (CH3), development and metastasis of cancer is discouraged. When the hydrogen atom doesn’t change, on the other hand, cancer and its spread are found to be stimulated.

The team has prepared a living mutant mouse without change of the protein into CH3 and found that the size of its tumor has become bigger than that of an ordinary mouse. It has also unearthed that when an enzyme called “LSD1” is combined with the HIF-1, methylation is contained, accelerating the development and spread of cancer.

“Increased methylation of HIF-1 by LSD1 inhibitor can curb the development and metastasis of cancer. With this, a new cancer treatment could be developed,” Prof. Baek said.

As the team has discovered mutation that is related with HIF-1 methylation out of genes of actual cancer patients, customized treatment for patients with the same type of mutation is expected to be possible.

The research result has been published on online “Nature Communications,” a sister journal of “Nature” on January 13.

권예슬 동아사이언스기자yskwon@donga.com