All in the Head
Deer antlers might hold new hope of a cure for cancer.
In a study published in the journal Science, a team led by Chinese researchers identified nine cancer-related genes that are responsible for antler cell-growth, as well as tumor formation and prolonging the life of cancer cells, the South China Morning Post reported.
However, the team also uncovered 19 other genes that act as tumor suppressors, preventing the antlers from growing out of control and halting the development of tumors elsewhere in the body.
The animals can still get tumors, but they usually do no harm and disappear over time. “To the deer, (cancer) is not a disease – it’s a part of life,” said study lead author Wang Wen.
In a commentary published in the same issue of Science, other researchers said the findings would help scientists seeking ways to regrow missing organs and develop new drugs to fight cancer.
“Studies of deer antlers offer attractive approaches for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine,” they wrote. “For instance, deer antlers have inspired a commercially promising prosthesis for amputees.”
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