Scientific Breakthrough: How One Strand Of RNA is Key To Fighting Cancer In Our Immune Systems

Scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, supported by the National Institute of Health, have made a groundbreaking scientific discovery in the fight against cancer; the identification of a small strand of RNA that plays a crucial role in our immune systems’ ability to combat the disease. 

This scientific breakthrough offers new insights into potential treatments for cancer and opens up numerous possibilities for future immunotherapies or solutions. 

RNA, also known as ribonucleic acid, plays a key role in turning the instructions held in the DNA of genomes into functional proteins in cells. The research is focused on a specific microRNA named "let-7", which governs the ability of T-cells to recognise and remember tumour cells. 

T-cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a vital role in the immune response against cancer. They specialise in killing pathogens and tumour cells, and attack whatever the pathogen may be, for instance, a common cold. This means most of them die after killing the foreign antigens; however, according to Leonid Pobezinsky, a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, some survive and remember the antigen.

The study’s findings shed light on the importance of cellular memory in the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. By understanding how let-7 can influence the function of T-cells, this group of scientists aims to develop targeted immunotherapies that enhance the immune system’s ability to recognise and destroy tumour cells.

In particular, understanding let-7 and how it becomes regulated during treatment will enhance the capabilities that our immune systems have and become a large step for the next generation’s immunotherapies.

While this scientific breakthrough is still in its early stages, it holds great promise for the future of cancer treatment. Further research and clinical trials will prove to be necessary for exploring how let-7 and other potential microRNAs can fight cancer.

Bibliography:

Chatterjee, K. (2023, October 2). RNA | Definition, Structure, Types, & Functions. Britannica. Retrieved October 5, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/science/RNA

Good News Network. (2023, October 1). Scientists Discover a Small Strand of RNA to Be Key to Fighting Cancer With Our Immune System. Good News Network. Retrieved October 5, 2023, from https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/scientists-discover-a-small-strand-of-rna-to-be-key-to-fighting-cancer-with-our-immune-system/

Miller, D. (2023, September 25). Researchers at UMass Amherst Show How a Small Strand of RNA is Key to Fighting Cancer. UMass Amherst. Retrieved October 5, 2023, from https://www.umass.edu/news/article/researchers-umass-amherst-show-how-small-strand-rna-key-fighting-cancer

YourGenome. (2022, February 21). What is RNA? – YourGenome. YourGenome. Retrieved October 5, 2023, from https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-rna/