scientists funded in the united Kingdom have discovered dementia-type behavior in pancreas cells at risk of transforming into cancer. The results provide clues that could help wiht the treatment and prevention of pancreatic cancer, a arduous disease to treat linked to 6,900 deaths in the United Kingdom each year [[1]]. Research published on August 15 in the journal *Growth Unit* was funded by Cancer Research UK, with additional support from Wellcome, the Medical Research council, and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council [[1]].
Researchers from the cancer Research UK Scotland Center studied pancreatic cells in mice over time to determine what causes healthy cells to become cancerous. They discovered that pancreatic cells at risk of becoming cancerous, called pre-cancer cells, develop defects in the cell recycling process (called “autophagy”) [[1]]. In these pre-cancer cells, researchers noticed excessive molecules of ”problem proteins” forming clusters-a behavior observed in neurological diseases such as dementia. Similar findings were also observed in human pancreatic samples,suggesting this occurs during the development of pancreatic cancer [[1]].
Cancer Research UK Fellow at the University of Edinburgh University Institute,Professor Simon Wilkinson,stated that the research shows the potential role of disturbed autophagy in the beginnings of pancreatic cancer. He suggests that research on other diseases where protein aggregation occurs, such as dementia, could help better understand this aggressive cancer and how to prevent it [[1]].While survival rates have improved for many types of cancer in recent decades, this has not been the case for pancreatic cancer, partly becuase it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage where treatment options are limited [[1]]. To address this, researchers wanted to understand what causes pancreatic cells to become cancerous. Several types of cancer,including pancreatic cancer,are linked to a defective mutation in a gene called *Kras*,but scientists are learning that genetic changes are not the whole story [[1]].
One way cells stay healthy is by breaking down molecules they no longer need through a recycling process called autophagy. This process is particularly critically important in the pancreas to control the levels of digestive proteins and hormones it produces [[1]]. Scientists have studied autophagy extensively and know it plays a key role in diseases like cancer. In certain specific cases, cancer cells become dependent on autophagy, diverting the recycling process to help them divide and grow more quickly [[1]].
This research suggests that a combination of a defective *Kras* gene and disturbed autophagy could contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer. Researchers plan to study these processes in more detail to determine if they can predict or even reverse the onset of pancreatic cancer, and whether factors like age, sex, or diet play a role [[1]].
