Potential Medical Applications in the Treatment of Cancer and Rare Genetic Diseases
In a pioneering study, scientists from the Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Cyprus, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Oxford, have discovered a new mechanism by which cells protect their nucleus from external mechanical forces.
The research, published in Science Advances, reveals a new role for the ATR protein, known for its contribution to DNA damage repair. The scientists found that ATR is not limited to this function, but is also involved in enhancing the resilience of the nucleus. This discovery could lead to new treatments for diseases related to cell nucleus fragility, such as certain types of cancer and rare genetic disorders.
Dr. Maria Chatzifrangeskou, lead author of the study, emphasized the potential clinical significance of the findings, “Our work highlights a critical cellular mechanism that could be the key to new treatments for diseases where the cell nucleus is particularly vulnerable.”
Although the ATR protein is known for its role in DNA damage repair, the study shows that it has another, equally important function. The researchers found that ATR moves into the nuclear envelope, where it activates a mechanism that promotes the formation of a protective protein “network” called nuclear actin. This internal support is essential to strengthen the nucleus and protect it from external stresses, particularly in tissues subject to constant mechanical forces, such as the lungs, heart and muscles.
Medical Applications
The wider medical implications of this discovery are important. Nuclear instability is a hallmark of several diseases, such as muscular dystrophies, progeria (a rare premature ageing disorder) and some aggressive cancers. When cells lack strong nuclear protection mechanisms, they become more vulnerable to damage, which can lead to the exacerbation of these diseases.
The lead researchers at the University of Cyprus believe that targeting ATR could offer new therapeutic possibilities. For example, in cancer patients, enhancing nuclear resistance may prevent cancer cells from metastasising, potentially improving survival rates. In addition, regulating nuclear actin dynamics could have applications in gene therapy, offering new solutions for diseases characterised by nuclear fragility.
“Our findings fundamentally change the way we understand ATR. Beyond its established role in DNA repair, it appears to be crucial for protecting the nucleus from external stresses. This knowledge may lead to new therapeutic approaches for diseases where the cell nucleus is particularly vulnerable,” said Dr Maria Chatzifrangeskou.
Wider context
This study comes at a time when scientists are paying increasing attention to the mechanical forces acting on cells and how they affect our health. From heart disease to neurodegenerative disorders, the way cells respond to mechanical pressures plays a critical role in the onset and progression of many diseases. The discovery of the role of ATR in nuclear protection adds a new dimension to our understanding of these mechanisms. At the same time, this pioneering research places Cyprus at the heart of an exciting scientific field, contributing to the international effort to develop new therapies based on the mechanical properties of cells.
For more information: Dr Maria Chatzifrangeskou, Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus. E-mail address: chatzifrangkeskou.maria@ucy.ac.cy.
Source: University of Cyprus | Latest news (https://tinyurl.com/2a5nc6s7)