Study an important step for dog cancer therapy
Researchers investigated
the activation of genetic regulatory mechanisms in canine cell lines.
the activation of genetic regulatory mechanisms in canine cell lines.
Scientists at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, are investigating molecular processes for targeted dog cancer therapy.
Modern cancer treatment has been revolutionised by the introduction of so-called 'targeted drugs'. However, the basis for applying these drugs in cancer therapy requires a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the disease.
Now researchers have investigated an important process in the molecular genetics of cancer development in canine cells and found both similarities and differences, compared to those in humans.
In the study, the researchers investigated the activation of genetic regulatory mechanisms in canine cell lines. These cell lines have long been used by researchers to analyse pathological processes and were analysed for changes in the expression of several RNA-species.
So far, research on epithelial-mesenchyman transition (EMT) has focussed on cells of humans and mice, showing how certain pathways cooperate to allow cancer cells metastases. Metastases form when the sedentary cancer cells gain certain properties. This allows them to move into another organ and form a new tumour.
Speaking to science news website phys.org, Mathias Muller, head of the institute for animal breeding and genetics, said: "In the majority of cases it is the metastases that cost the patient's lives, as the original tumour can often be well controlled by radiation and surgery.
"We are interested in what is going on at the molecular level during metastasis, as it is likely that we can use this knowledge for the successful treatment of metastases."
It is well recognised that the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) pathway plays a critical roll in metastasis. Lead author Sabine Macho-Maschler expressed her satisfaction with the many similarities seen in the comparative analysis of results for canine, human and mouse cells.
"TGF-beta, for example, also plays an important role in dogs, but there are also interesting variations," she said. Her study is filled with lists of RNAs that are regulated during EMT
The researchers say that the findings serve as a basis for further analysis. However, they are skeptical as to whether their research can improve the treatment of dogs with cancer in the near future.
"Our newly published results are like a catalogue, perhaps an important requirement for new approaches and ideas. Ultimately, we do not even know whether many of the new drugs actually act in canine cells," said Sabine.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
