Topic: Biology

Scientists at the University of Lausanne found a new way to stop cancer cells from growing. They discovered that vitamin B7 is crucial for cancer cells' survival.

Cancer cells are addicted to a nutrient called glutamine, which helps them grow and divide. However, researchers have found a weakness in this addiction. When cancer cells don't get enough vitamin B7, they can't survive without glutamine. This means that targeting both glutamine and vitamin B7 could be an effective way to stop cancer cells from growing.

The study was led by Dr. Miriam Lisci and her team at the University of Lausanne. They found that a mitochondrial enzyme called pyruvate carboxylase requires vitamin B7 to function. When vitamin B7 is not available, the enzyme stops working, and cell growth comes to a halt.

The researchers also discovered that some cancer cells have mutations in a gene called FBXW7. This makes them more dependent on glutamine for survival. By targeting both glutamine and vitamin B7, scientists may be able to create new treatments that are more effective against cancer.

Why It Matters

This research could lead to the development of new cancer treatments that target multiple vulnerabilities in tumor cells. This is important because many current treatments don't work for everyone, and researchers are working to find more effective ways to fight cancer.

Key Facts

• Cancer cells are addicted to a nutrient called glutamine, which helps them grow and divide.
• Vitamin B7 is crucial for cancer cells' survival.
• Targeting both glutamine and vitamin B7 could be an effective way to stop cancer cells from growing.
• Some cancer cells have mutations in the FBXW7 gene, making them more dependent on glutamine for survival.
• Researchers at the University of Lausanne led by Dr. Miriam Lisci studied the role of vitamin B7 and FBXW7 in cancer cell growth.

Key Terms

Glutamine

A nutrient that helps cancer cells grow and divide

Vitamin B7

A crucial nutrient for cancer cells' survival

Implications

This research could lead to the development of new cancer treatments that target multiple vulnerabilities in tumor cells. This is important because many current treatments don't work for everyone, and researchers are working to find more effective ways to fight cancer.