New technology ‘turns cancer cells back to normal’

Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) developed this new technology that “promises to change cancer treatment.” According to Interesting Engineeringthis technology can convert colon cancer cells into normal cells, instead of destroying them. The research was published in the journal Advanced Science on January 7, led by Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho of the Department of Biological and Brain Engineering.

The research team created a computer model of the gene network responsible for cell development. Using this model, they identified key molecular switches that can switch colon cancer cells back to a normal state.

Unlike conventional therapies, which target cancer cells, the KAIST team takes a completely different approach. By addressing cells that regress during differentiation as they transform into cancer, they precisely target the root cause of the disease.

Using “digital twins” of gene networks involved in cell differentiation, researchers simulate and analyze complex gene interactions. From there, they were able to identify the key molecular switch, capable of converting cancer cells to a state similar to normal cells. The results came after a long period of molecular experiments, cell research and animal testing.

“Converting cancer cells back to normal is amazing. The study proves that we can do it systematically,” commented Professor Cho.

In fact, traditional cancer treatments often cause serious side effects and the cancer can recur. The new approach aims to solve these problems.

Researchers believe this method is also effective for other types of cancer. By using similar computer modeling technology on different cancer gene networks, they hope to find similar molecular switches.

“The study introduces a new concept of cancer therapy. It is also a foundational technology to identify targets for transformation through analyzing the differentiation trajectory of normal cancer types,” explained Professor Cho. about the potential impact.

This new technology could lead to new cancer therapies with fewer side effects and reduced risk of cancer recurrence.