Brain Cell Production Brings New Insights for Cancer Treatments

New insights into how the brain controls cell production could pave the way for future cancer treatments.

According to scientists from the School of Biological Sciences, they discovered new information regarding how this process helps develop and maintain a healthy brain.

Specifically focusing on a RNA molecule, known as miR-9, that's linked to the development of brain cells, otherwise known as neurons and glial cells, researchers discovered that the Lin28a protein helps to regulate production of miR-9. This, in turn, controls the genes involved in brain cell development and function, according to a press release.

For the experiment, researchers examined lab studies of embryonic cells that can develop into neurons.They looked to more specifically determine how Lin28a helps in the production of miR-9 by conducting a series of lab tests.

Findings showed that Lin28a prevents the production of miR-9 in embryonic cells, which trigger the degradation of its precursor molecule. In other words, when Lin28a is no longer produced, this enables miR-9 to accumulate and function in certain cancer cells.

Specific studies that further examine the Lin28a and miR-9 brain development may hold important insight into the development of new therapies to treat health-related issues.

"Understanding more of the complex science behind the fundamental processes of cell development will help us learn more about what happens when this goes wrong - and what might be done to prevent it," said Dr. Gracian Michlewski of the School of Biological Sciences and the lead study author, via the release.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Nature Communications.