Finding cancer early is an important area of research. One promising idea is to change certain bacteria so they can search for cancer DNA in the body. Scholars from the University of California, San Diego, and the University of Adelaide research the bacterium A. baylyi. This bacterium can take DNA from its surroundings, including DNA from cancer tissues.
In a study, specially engineered bacteria can find mutated DNA linked to colorectal cancer (CRC). These bacteria could alert users when they detect cancer-related DNA changes, reminding them to see a doctor. The blog “Harnessing Bacteria: A Revolutionary Approach to Early Cancer Detection” states that this method could help doctors diagnose cancer earlier without invasive tests. This new technology aims to improve cancer detection and greatly expand treatment options.
The Function of Bacteria in the Identification of Cancer
Recent advancements in science have resulted in the development of special bacteria that can help detect cancer that targets the colon. One such bacteria is Acinetobacter baylyi, which has no negative connotations for humans and can absorb DNA from its environment. It is said that this bacterium has been altered to detect the DNA of cancerous cells, which, according to scientific jargon, are tumors.
When the modified A. baylyi comes into contact with the DNA of a tumor, it can proliferate, resulting in the emission of a signal that indicates the presence of cancer. This can be compared to an alarm system that goes off once cancer signs appear. For example, a gene KRAS is known to be mutated for many cases of colorectal cancer.
This method, where bacteria are used for cancer detection, is groundbreaking since it provides an easy option for the patient against the painful process that is routine for cancer assessment. These bacteria can then be introduced into the gut so that once they locate the tumor DNA, they send signals to the body. This might offer novel screening methods for cancer, resulting in timely interventions that benefit patient welfare.
Mechanism of Action
Scientists have identified bacteria as a new tool for the detection of cancer. Such bacteria act like mini detectives as they hunt for tumor DNA, especially in the lower intestine. Here’s how they work:
- Targeting Tumor DNA: The custom bacteria are built to actively seek out pieces of DNA from tumors and latch on to them. Assuming the tumors suffer from colorectal cancer (CRC), the relevant tumor DNA being targeted is that of a KRAS gene.
- Integrating Genes: Once this tumor DNA is gathered, the bacteria incorporate this segment into the structure of their DNA. The concept behind it is known as homologous recombination, and it solely focuses on aiding the bacteria in remembering the invasive tumor’s DNA.
- Communicating Effectively: Upon successfully incorporating the tumor DNA, the mini detective bacteria flick a switch that allows them to develop in the face of antibiotics through a unique mechanism. Given this, they can survive in hostile environments and bring to attention the presence of cancer.
The effectiveness of this method was verified with a type of bacteria, Acinetobacter baylyi, targeting KRAS mutations in patients with colorectal cancer. The findings of this research open new avenues for potentially finding cancer at an earlier phase without having to go through invasive procedures such as colonoscopy, which is a significant forward step in the field of cancer detection.
Advantages Over Traditional Methods
Traditionally, cancer detection has been invasive and uncomfortable, including the collection of internal biopsies. For instance, while fecal tests such as FIT are practical in some cases, they can go awry by diagnosing a patient with cancer when they do not have it while also failing to recognize instances where the patient does have the illness.
Unsupported by any pain or intrusive tests, bacterial biosensors have entered the scene as a more advanced way of diagnosing cancer.
- Non-Invasive: Specially engineered and bio-printed bacteria can locate cancerous DNA independently and, most importantly, without painful surgeries.
- High Sensitivity: Thanks to the tiny amounts of DNA, those bacteria can quickly detect cancer, enabling medical staff to find the cancer cells early.
- Modular Design: Scientists can easily adjust the bacteria to target other forms of cancer.
Research shows that certain bacteria can find tumor-related DNA in a person’s body. This vital discovery could lead to new ways to treat patients without causing pain.
Research Developments
The newest studies suggest that scientists are using customized bacteria as a tool for locating and anti-cancer treatment. For example, the researchers experimented using modified Acinetobacter baylyi bacteria injected into the bottoms of mice with colorectal tumors. They found out that only the bacteria from the tissues of tumor-bearing mice had antibiotic resistance, which implies that their DNA was indeed discovered for some tumors. This approach is effective for treating colorectal cancer; however, to treat other types of cancer, different bacteria can be used to target specific ones.
These modified bacteria help doctors diagnose cancer without needing invasive biopsies. They detect cancerous cells in the gut and can signal their presence. This new technology may change how doctors diagnose and treat patients.
Future Directions
Cancer is something that terrifies many, and therefore, it has encouraged researchers all over the world to devote their lives to understanding this disease. Working with a specially engineered bacteria with great potential is one way forward to even greater excitement. Here are some directions scientists are looking into:
- Multi-Mutation Bacteria Hunting: Isn’t it interesting how there are different effects of cancer? Well, bacteria can be programmed to target these variations. Researchers are making significant strides in utilizing multiple bacteria to target cancer effectively. These bacteria are designed to become inactive when they detect a specific DNA sequence, paving the way for innovative treatment options.
- Programmer Alterations: Further down the line, this engineered bacteria might have the potential to give off signals that can easily be detected in urine or blood. These signals can be amplified and divided to minimize the effects and damage cancer causes.
- Potential Practical Uses: This competent bacteria’s constant evolution and refinement could make cancers faster and more economically treatable. They would then be treatable during routine tests rather than emergency check-ups.
In conclusion, researchers seek a brighter future by using specially engineered bacteria to fight cancer.
Challenges and Considerations
The use of engineered bacteria to detect cancer is undoubtedly promising. However, a few challenges still need to be conquered first. Often, such permits and licenses are required from the governing authorities; therefore, this situation is one of the regulatory challenges. The second one is social acceptance. Some people might be afraid or skeptical about utilizing GMOs in healthcare. These people should be educated on how these bacteria work, how safe they are, and how helpful they can be. They also can include some technical challenges.
Researchers need to figure out how to ensure that bacteria survive and operate correctly in every part of the human body. In the long run, such challenges must be surmounted to secure the use of these technologies for cancer detection.
Conclusion
An exciting method uses special bacteria to help detect cancer. Scientists recently reported that they have created specialized and modified bacteria that can help find methylated DNA linked to tumors. When these modified bacteria come into contact with cancerous DNA, they send out a signal that lets doctors know of the presence of tumor DNA.
This is exciting because it could change how we screen and detect cancer. People will not need to go through uncomfortable and invasive tests. Modified bacteria could make it easier to find cancerous cells. This could lead to new treatments based on genetics. If improved, this technology could significantly lower cancer death rates worldwide.
Sources:
https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2023/engineered-bacteria-detect-cancer
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1462749/full
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33066447/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39594765/
https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2023/engineered-bacteria-detect-cancer
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2022.1020121/full