Researchers from Lund University in Sweden have developed a new mechanism that changes how proteins interact with blood stem cells to direct their function. This breakthrough could reduce the rates of certain blood cancers.

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), also called blood stem cells, produce mature blood cells in the human body. HSCs require a very specific combination of proteins to function.

Researchers have already discovered that defective regulation of protein is linked to some aggressive forms of blood cancer. This discovery prompted them to explore the mechanisms that determined how much protein was being given to blood stem cells.

Discovering how these mechanisms work could help scientists prevent cancers forming from dysfunctional stem cells that had received too much protein. As lead researcher, Dr. Cristian Bellodi explains: “Our research is potentially important for life-threatening blood cancers characterised by dysfunctional stem cells — which are common in elderly people. High protein synthesis levels could represent an Achilles’ heel to eradicating cancer-initiating cells.”

The research team discovered that a common RNA modification called pseudouridine played a role in determining protein levels. RNA is a molecule that decodes genetic information in humans. The chemical structure of RNA is used by certain enzymes that are found in human cells, but are often altered when a person has cancer. Understanding the role that RNA modifications play in determining disease will be an important focus point for researchers in the future.

When it comes to blood stem cells, the researchers found that stem cells lacking an enzyme called PUS7 would produce an abnormal amount of protein. This would lead to an unbalanced stem cell growth and blocked cellular differentiation. These findings may help researchers develop treatments to reduce the risk of blood cancer.

Source: Mechanism Vital to Keeping Blood Stem Cells Functional Uncovered

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