Nature: The magical "hollow sphere" protein protects the genome of cancer cells

The MYC gene and its proteins play a central role
in the initiation and progression of almost all cancers.
They drive the uncontrolled growth and metabolic changes
of tumor cells.
They also help tumors hide from the immune system
.

MYC proteins also show a previously unknown activity that now opens new doors for cancer research: They form hollow spheres that protect particularly sensitive parts
of the genome.
If these MYC balls are destroyed, the cancer cells die
.

The research team led by Martin elers and Elmar Wolf from the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology published the findings in the journal Nature, located in Julius-Maximilians-Universitt Würzburg (JMU, Bavaria, Germany
).
The researchers believe that their findings will be a game-changer in cancer research and an important breakthrough
leading to new therapeutic strategies.

Hollow spheres protect sensitive DNA sites

The researchers found that when cells in the lab were under stress conditions similar to those of fast-growing tumor cells, the MYC protein in the nucleus rearranged itself
in a dramatic way.
They combine to form a hollow sphere made up of thousands of MYC
proteins.

These hollow spheres surround and protect individual, particularly sensitive sites in the genome—sites where two enzymes can collide: one that reads DNA to synthesize RNA, and the other that copies DNA
.
Both can be thought of as two trains
traveling on the same track of DNA.

The hollow sphere prevents the two enzymes from colliding
.
Würzburg's team was able to confirm this observation in cancer cells
.
If the protective function of the proteospheres is turned off experimentally, the enzymes collide, and the result is multiple breaks in the DNA, eventually killing the cancer cells
.

Look for particularly effective medications

"These observations have revolutionized our understanding of why the MYC protein is so important for tumor cell growth," Martin Eilers said
.
The new findings also raise the question of whether drugs can be developed specifically to prevent hollow ball formation
.

To drive this development, the researchers set up a company
.
Together with JMU and partners in the pharmaceutical industry, research has begun
on drugs that interfere with the newly discovered function of the MYC protein.

"Investors allow us to set up companies so quickly, which certainly doesn't happen every day," JMU professors said
.
They also see it as a sign that they have made a very promising discovery
.