A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) led by Dr. Polly Leili Chen has discovered a previously unknown mechanism of malignant cell formation that involves the process of RNA editing, a discovery that could pave the way for new cancer treatments.
How RNA editing works
The DNA of a gene is first translated into RNA, which serves as an intermediate code before proteins are made. In some cases, the RNA can undergo editing—changes that affect the final protein product. This allows cells to regulate their work more flexibly.
The focus of the study was a protein called “chatomer subunit α” (COPA), which is involved in the development of liver, esophageal, stomach, and breast cancer.
Scientists have found that cells contain both edited and “wild” (unedited) versions of COPA. If the unedited protein predominates, the cell has a higher probability of becoming malignant. In contrast, the dominance of edited COPA suppresses the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which, if activated uncontrolled, triggers excessive cell proliferation and tumor development.
What scientists plan to do
Researchers are now working to enhance the natural RNA editing mechanisms in cancer cells. The goal is to increase the proportion of the edited version of COPA and thus block tumor growth.
“We can explore how RNA editing alters protein sequences and how to restore processes that suppress cancer. This opens up a new direction in therapy ,” said Dr. Chen.
The discovery shows that RNA editing is not just an accessory mechanism, but a key factor in the formation of cancer cells. This could form the basis for the development of innovative treatments that act at the level of protein regulation and inflammation.
