A Bacterial Protein Might Be Fueling Cancer Growth, Here's What You Need To Know
We often think of bacteria as causes of infections, but did you know that some bacteria might actually contribute to cancer? A recent study showed how a bacterial protein, DnaK from Mycoplasma fermentans, can increase cancer development, especially when DNA is already damaged.
The Link Between Bacteria and Cancer
While bacteria like Helicobacter pylori are already known to cause cancer, researchers have been investigating other bacterial species for their potential role in tumor formation. The new study focuses on Mycoplasma fermentans, a bacterium found in human tissues, and its DnaK protein, which belongs to the heat shock protein (HSP70) family. This protein plays a role in stress responses but may also disrupt key cellular functions that protect against cancer.
How DnaK Contributes to Cancer Development
Scientists used a special mouse model that carried the DnaK protein to study its effects. They found that:
Increased DNA Damage: Mice expressing DnaK showed more DNA damage and instability, making their cells more prone to becoming cancerous.
Higher Inflammation: The presence of DnaK led to higher levels of inflammatory molecules, which are known to contribute to cancer progression.
Weakened DNA Repair: Cells expressing DnaK struggled to repair damaged DNA, making them more vulnerable to mutations and tumor growth.
Why This Matters
One of the biggest challenges in cancer research is understanding how tumors develop and spread. If bacterial proteins like DnaK interfere with DNA repair and promote cancer growth, they could be a hidden factor in cancer development. This study raises important questions about whether other bacterial infections might also increase cancer risk.
Potential for New Cancer Treatments
Understanding how DnaK affects cells opens up new possibilities for cancer treatment and prevention:
Targeting Bacteria-Related Cancer Risks: If certain bacterial infections contribute to cancer, antibiotics or vaccines could help reduce the risk.
Developing New Therapies: Scientists could design treatments that block DnaK or its effects, helping cells maintain their natural defenses against cancer.
Improving Cancer Diagnostics: Testing for bacterial proteins like DnaK could become part of early cancer detection efforts.
This research highlights an emerging connection between bacteria and cancer, showing that proteins like DnaK from Mycoplasma fermentans might play a role in promoting tumor development.
As research continues, one thing is clear—our understanding of cancer is evolving, and even microscopic organisms might have a bigger impact than we ever imagined!
To learn more, check out this journal!: https://www.pnas.org/doi/epub/10.1073/pnas.2320859121
