Deciphering the risk of cancer: ATF6 and the dangerous microbiome!

Deciphering the risk of cancer: ATF6 and the dangerous microbiome!

Researchers of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) In a groundbreaking study, they discovered a cell mechanism that promotes a tumor-promoting microbiome. These findings could have far-reaching implications for the understanding and treatment of cancer. The study, which was recently published in the journalNature Metabolismpublished shows that the composition of the intestinal microbiome plays a crucial role in health.

The focus of the research is the protein ATF6 (Activating Transcription Factor 6). As long as the cells function normally, ATF6 remains inactive. However, when faulty proteins accumulate, this protein is activated. This causes short-term cell stress, but the cell returns to normal. However, in certain diseases, ATF6 remains permanently active, leading to persistent changes in the intestinal microbiome - changes that can potentially trigger cancer.

Consequences of ATF6 activation

The resulting microbial changes are particularly concerning. One of the TUM researchers' discoveries is that long-chain fatty acids are created through the chronic activation of ATF6. These fatty acids serve certain bacteria, in particularDesulfovibrio fairfieldensis, as food. Overgrowth of these bacteria can crowd out other microbes and lead to the production of harmful hydrogen sulfide gas, which has been shown to damage intestinal cells.

In animal studies with mice, the researchers were able to show that mice without a microbiome did not develop cancer, while mice with a microbiome did so as soon as ATF6 was active. Drug blocking of fat metabolism was also able to prevent cancer development in these mice. This suggests that manipulating the microbiome could potentially offer therapeutic approaches.

Insights from patient analysis

In addition to the experimental findings, the researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 cancer patients. It was found that up to 38 percent of people over 50 had chronic activation of ATF6. Long-chain fatty acids were also detected in these patients. However, Dirk Haller, one of the lead scientists, emphasizes that no specific therapies can be recommended based on these results.

The study opens up new perspectives in the fight against cancer. Further research is needed to better understand the influence of diet and the precise roles of ATF6 in other types of cancer. The discovery highlights how important a balanced microbiome is for health and what risks can arise from chronic cell stress reactions. IDW highlights that the changes in the microbiome have also been demonstrated in humans, which underlines the relevance of the study results. Understanding these mechanisms could potentially enable new approaches to cancer prevention and treatment in the near future.