It is often said that in the realm of scientific research, innovation is the key to unlocking new opportunities and possibilities. One such example is the ongoing work of an Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) faculty from the Department of Science & Technology (DST). The emphasis of their research revolves around an alternative anti-cancer therapy using transgenic zebrafish. INSPIRE is a groundbreaking initiative by the DST to draw attention to the field of science.
Understanding INSPIRE and its Mission
Launched in 2008, the primary goal of INSPIRE is to inspire the youth of India to explore and appreciate the exhilarating world of science. It strives to attract young talents to study science at an early age. This is done with the intention to expand and strengthen the nation’s science and technology ecosystem and R&D base.
The Role of Angiogenesis in Cancer Development
Angiogenesis denotes the physiological process by which new blood vessels form from pre-existing ones. This process plays a pivotal role in the growth of cancerous tumors as they require a blood supply for their expansion. Tumors instigate the growth of blood cells by emitting chemical signals that stimulate angiogenesis. Inhibiting tumor angiogenesis has become an increasingly popular anti-cancer strategy after chemotherapy.
Challenges of Anti-Angiogenic Drugs
Despite their potential advantages, clinically approved anti-angiogenic drugs have proven ineffective due to the activation of various compensatory mechanisms. These mechanisms involve a cascade of molecules, which aid tumor angiogenesis. Investigating these mechanisms is crucial for developing productive anti-angiogenic therapies.
Exploring Alternative Anti-Cancer Therapy
Currently, scientists are investigating an alternate anti-cancer therapy. This involves targeting the formation of new blood vessels instigated by tumors, which enable the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues. An INSPIRE faculty member has been studying the role of compensatory mechanisms signaling cues as potential targets for cancer therapy.
The Promise of Transgenic Zebrafish Platform
Further work is being done to develop a model using transgenic zebrafish, which have foreign genes added to their genome. This model will be developed using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing tool in order to study the compensatory angiogenesis mechanism within a tumor microenvironment.
Why Choose the Zebrafish Model?
The selection of the zebrafish model for this study is attributed to its rapid development, optical transparency, high yield in offspring, and the convenience of manipulating its genes.
Understanding Cancer and its Global Impact
Cancer refers to a broad group of diseases that typically start when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, invade neighboring parts of the body, and/or spread to other organs. Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancers are most common among men, while women commonly suffer from breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and thyroid cancer.
A Record of Cancer Burden
Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of adult illness and death globally due to chronic and non-communicable diseases, including India. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. In 2018 alone, there were approximately 18 million global cases, with 1.5 million in India.
Preventing and Treating Cancer
Between 30% and 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors like tobacco use, alcohol use, diet, UV radiation exposure, pollution, and chronic infections. Treatment options include surgery, cancer medicines and/or radiotherapy, administered either alone or in combination. Palliative care, which focuses on improving the quality of life of patients and their families, is an essential component of cancer care.
