Breakthrough Discovery in the Fight Against Liver Cancer

Exciting new research from Australia's Centenary Institute reveals that disabling a specific protein in liver cells might be key in thwarting the early development of liver cancer—a disease that affects over 3,000 Australians annually and is responsible for nearly 8% of all cancer deaths.

Daring Research Unveils Powerful Insights

Led by the brilliant Professor Mark Gorrell at the Institute's Center for Cancer Innovations, the study zeroes in on a protein known as dipeptidyl peptidase 9 (DPP9). This protein plays a crucial role in managing inflammation, metabolism, and cell survival within the liver.

The Experiment: A Revolutionary Mouse Model

In a groundbreaking experiment using a specially designed mouse model that simulates liver disease, researchers found that turning off the DPP9 gene resulted in remarkable outcomes: improved blood sugar control, reduced body and liver fat, and a significant decrease in liver tumors. This pivotal research has been documented in the esteemed journal Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease.

Words from the Luminary: Professor Gorrell's Insights

Professor Gorrell states, "While DPP9 has many cellular functions, our findings suggest that turning it off in liver cells allows them to thrive, making them less susceptible to cancerous changes.”

The Resilient Cells: A Closer Look at the Mechanism

Ph.D. student and lead researcher JiaLi Carrie Huang explains that the study also revealed changes in proteins linked to tumor suppression and autophagy—the body’s natural cleanup process that eradicates damaged cells. "By removing DPP9, we triggered a robust internal maintenance response, bolstering the cells' resilience against cancer formation," she adds.

A New Horizon in Liver Cancer Treatment

Professor Gorrell believes these insights could pave the way for innovative treatments for liver cancer. "Our research suggests that DPP9 has previously unrecognized roles in the onset of liver cancer. Targeting all four Dipeptidyl Peptidase proteins, including DPP9, in the liver could prove to be a groundbreaking strategy in battling this formidable disease," he concludes.