New Discovery Halts Leukemia Stem Cell Growth
- Feb 18
- 2 min read
Researchers at the University of Oslo have identified a groundbreaking biological pathway that could stop the development of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), an aggressive form of blood cancer. The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals how specific signals in the bone marrow act as a "brake" to prevent stem cells from turning into cancer.
In a healthy body, blood stem cells in the bone marrow develop into red cells, white cells, and platelets. In AML patients, however, these stem cells malfunction and produce malignant cancer cells instead. Associate Professor Lorena Arranz and her team focused on how the environment surrounding these cells influences their development. They discovered that a molecule called succinate and its receptor, SUCNR1, act as a control system.
Succinate was previously viewed as a "bad guy" that fueled cancer progression. However, this research shows a new, protective side: when succinate acts on the SUCNR1 receptor, it keeps stem cells healthy by suppressing "cancer promoter proteins" known as S100A8 and S100A9.
The study’s findings are particularly significant for elderly patients. AML is most common in those over 65, for whom the only current cure—a stem cell transplant—is often too intensive and risky. Data from the study shows that patients with low levels of SUCNR1 have poorer survival rates.
"We believe the study can help develop better, future, personalized treatments for patients based on SUCNR1 levels," says researcher and first author Vincent Cuminetti. By altering these molecular levels, researchers have already successfully influenced the development of leukemia in mouse models, opening a new door for human clinical applications.
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Halts Leukemia Stem Cell Growth
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