Researchers have made a significant advancement in understanding myeloid cancers, particularly leukemia, identifying taurine as a critical regulator in its development. This study, published in the journal Nature, outlines how scientists from the Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester have made strides toward new treatment methodologies for the aggressive blood cancer.
Led by Jeevisha Bajaj, PhD, the team discovered that leukemia cells lack the ability to produce taurine and instead depend on a specific transporter, encoded by the SLC6A6 gene, to absorb taurine from the surrounding bone marrow environment. By employing genetic tools to prevent taurine uptake in both mouse models and human leukemia cell samples, the researchers successfully inhibited leukemia growth.
Bajaj stated, “We are very excited about these studies because they demonstrate that targeting uptake by myeloid leukemia cells may be a possible new avenue for treatment of these aggressive diseases.” The focus on the bone marrow microenvironment, where myeloid cancers originate, provides crucial insights for improving cancer therapies.
A surprising finding from the research is taurine’s role in promoting glycolysis, a process that allows cancer cells to thrive. This contradicts previous assumptions about taurine, highlighting its potential to facilitate cancer growth rather than solely act as a benign amino acid.
Leukemia encompasses various subtypes, each with differing survival outcomes. The study reveals that the expression of the taurine transporter is vital for the growth of several subtypes, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Future research will delve into the signals from the bone marrow environment that may influence the transition from precursor conditions to overt leukemia.
Bajaj highlighted the importance of further studies to evaluate taurine’s levels in leukemia patients while cautioning against high-dose taurine supplementation due to its potential impact on cancer progression.
Notably, the research is part of a broader effort within the academic community to explore the metabolic pathways leveraged by cancer cells for survival. This shift in focus aims to complement existing genetic research and could pave the way for innovative treatments.
The collaborative nature of this study involved contributions from various programs within Wilmot, underscoring the role of teamwork in advancing cancer research. It received support from prestigious institutions, including the National Institutes of Health and several cancer research foundations.
This discovery not only opens new avenues for leukemia treatment but also reflects hope for improved management of this challenging disease through a deeper understanding of its biology.