Bacteria-produced molecule shows promise in slowing cancer spread
Researchers from Tulane Cancer Center have identified a naturally occurring molecule produced by bacteria that may help stop cancer from spreading, one of the biggest challenges in cancer treatment.
In a recent study published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, first author and School of Medicine research scientist Jieqiong Wang, working in the laboratory of Tulane Cancer Center researcher Dr. Hua Lu, discovered that a bacterial signaling molecule called cyclic di-GMP significantly reduced the spread of cancer cells in pre-clinical models, particularly in aggressive breast cancers. The molecule slowed cancer cell movement and dramatically reduced the development of lung metastases while showing very low toxicity.
