Malignant mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive form of cancer. The rare, asbestos-related disease has proven resistant to traditional cancer treatments. To overcome this challenge, researchers are exploring mesothelioma’s intricate molecular makeup, hoping that understanding its mechanisms will lead to better therapeutic options. Italian researchers recently explored mesothelioma cancer cells’ ability to change their metabolism to help them grow and spread. Their study focused on a protein called FABP5 and its connection to inflammation, which they believe can become a target for treatment.
Study Shows Unusual Patterns of Fat Metabolism in Mesothelioma Cells.
In analyzing the difference between mesothelioma cells and normal mesothelial cells, researchers from the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine at the University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia” in Italy identified increased fat accumulation inside cells, and that higher amounts of the protein FABP5 helped transport and process fats. The presence of FABP5 was linked to greater activity in the mitochondria that power cells, changes in energy production, increased production of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS), and more fat droplets stored in the cells.
The researchers further discovered that overactive NF-κB signaling in mesothelioma cells is driving the chronic inflammation thought to make the disease so aggressive, and that the FABP5 protein appears to be connected to this inflammatory process.
Reduction in Protein Slows Mesothelioma Cell Growth
To further explore FABP5’s role in mesothelioma cell growth, the researchers silenced the protein using a double-stranded RNA molecule that silences genes by targeting messenger RNA. They found that the mesothelioma cell growth slowed, with some of the cells dying, slower metabolism due to less mitochondrial activity, and less activity in the inflammatory NF-κB pathway.
The mesothelioma researchers concluded that FABP5 may interact with two important proteins: CYLD, which regulates inflammation, and BAP1, a tumor suppressor gene that’s often mutated in mesothelioma. Importantly, they found this result across multiple types of mesothelioma cells. This is encouraging, as it suggests that the pattern is typical rather than restricted to a specific type of mesothelioma.
Researchers’ Findings Signal New Hope for Mesothelioma Treatment
For patients diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is disheartening to learn that treatment of the rare disease has made so little progress, but the researcher’s identification of FABP5 suggests that could be a potent target for new treatments. Though more research is needed before these findings can be translated into new treatments, the discovery offers hope.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can connect you to invaluable resources. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
