Scientists from the Hubrecht Institute and the Prinses Máxima Centrum have made a significant discovery using mini-organs (organoids). They identified a gene that plays a crucial role in determining how intestinal cells develop, potentially making a substantial difference in childhood cancer research.
This breakthrough is not only good news for patients but also for laboratory animals. It underscores how animal-free alternatives can contribute to disease and treatment research without subjecting animals to suffering.
Our guts set the tone
What occurs in our intestines is crucial for our health. The intestines are responsible not only for digestion but also play a significant role in our immune system. Changes in the gut flora can lead to various health issues, including different forms of childhood cancer.
To understand how cancer can arise in children, scientists from the Hubrecht Institute and the Prinses Máxima Centrum investigated how stem cells in our intestines develop into a specific type of intestinal cell responsible for producing various hormones (enteroendocrine cells).
And… they didn’t use animals for this! The research was conducted using organoids: lab-grown mini-organs that accurately mimic the structure and function of the human intestine.
Like a traffic light
By turning specific genes on and off in the organoids, scientists observed how these genes influenced the development of hormone-producing cells.
How does it work exactly? Imagine a busy intersection with different roads leading to various places. The cars represent different types of cells. Transcript factors* act as traffic lights, instructing cells on which direction to go.
Dr. Lin Lin, a postdoctoral researcher in the Clevers research group at the Hubrecht Institute and the Princess Máxima Center, explains, “In our study, we used CRISPR technology, a gene-editing tool. This allowed us to specifically turn on and off the switches for those ‘traffic lights.’ This way, we could unravel the intricate signaling system that guides cells to their predetermined routes.”
*Transcript factors are proteins that influence gene activity by binding to specific DNA sequences. This binding can affect the transcription of DNA into mRNA, thereby regulating protein production.
More knowledge, better treatments
The research provides new insights into the origins of hormone disorders and certain forms of childhood cancer. This understanding allows doctors to comprehend the disease better and develop more effective treatments—all without the use of laboratory animals!
Source: Prinses Máxima Centrum