Scientists reveal the path of sugar that leads aggressive childhood cancer

MPNST is rare and deadly childhood cancer, which mainly affects adolescents and youth. These tumors grow quickly, spread easily, and do not respond well to the current treatments. A malignant tumor is the main cause of death in MPNST and there are currently targeted treatments for metaphysical diseases.

The study, led by Iowa Eric Taylor University researchers, PhD professor, vital molecular and physical physiology professor, repeta Doda, PhD, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, determines a specific independent path for the survival of MPNST cells and its growth, which can be targeted with future treatments.

Targeting cancer metabolism to slow the development of the tumor

To better understand these tumors, user interface researchers have used genes to create new research models that are closely identical to the mutations that lead the cancer in patients. Using these models, they then applied the modern genome and metabolism tools for the map of metabolic pathways that feed the tumor growth in MPNST.

The study, published in Science Advances, found that these cancers depend on a major metabolic path to help them survive in oxidative stress and push tumor growth. This path, known as the Pentose Phosphate Path (PPP), reigns the sugar to produce a decisive antioxidant molecule that requires cancerous cells to fight oxidant stress. When the researchers prevented PPP, tumors grew more slowly and were more likely to chemotherapy.

“This is the first time that this metaphysical path is linked to the growth of the MPNST tumor, which makes it a completely new target for treatment in this type of cancer,” says Dod. “It opens the door for treatment strategies that have not been explored before and can lead to more effective treatments and better results for patients who need new options urgently.”

Dodd’s cooperative experience in cancer biology and Taylor experience in metabolism. The main author was the graduate student at the user interface, Gavin McGivi, PhD, from Payard in Gutry County, Iowa, in which Dodd and Taylor participated. MCGIVNEY graduated from the UI Cancer’s Graduate Studies Program in 2024, and is now a post -PhD researcher at the University of Chicago. Dodd and Taylor are both a member of the UI Health Care Holden Cancer Cancer, Taylor, a member of the brother UI Center for the Eagles Diabetes Research Center.

In addition to Dodd, Taylor and McGivney, the research team also included researchers at the interface in internal medicine departments, molecular physiology and biomeria, and UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver Medicine. Researchers at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Washington, Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Washington, and the University of Toronto were part of the team.

The research was partially funded by grants from the Child tumor Foundation, the National Institutes of Health Foundation, the American Heart Association, the US Department of Defense, and the American Cancer Society through the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.