Scientists have identified a gene, NSMF, that plays a critical role in the rapid division of cancer cells, and its suppression has shown promising results in slowing tumor growth and extending life expectancy in laboratory settings. The research, conducted at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea, suggests a potential new therapeutic approach to combatting colorectal cancer.
The study, published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research, demonstrated that disabling the NSMF gene – which produces a protein that facilitates DNA damage and mutation in rapidly dividing cells – induced what researchers termed “irreversible cellular senescence” within tumors. Typically, cancer cells divide quickly, with the NSMF protein actively promoting genomic instability. However, when the NSMF gene was deactivated in both laboratory experiments and trials on mice, tumor growth significantly slowed or halted altogether.
In a mouse model, inhibiting NSMF led to a notable reduction in the growth of intestinal tumors. The lifespan of the treated mice increased by an average of 33.5% compared to those where the gene remained active. Importantly, researchers observed no adverse effects on healthy intestinal cells, indicating the approach selectively targets cancerous cells, unlike traditional chemotherapy.
“Our findings suggest that NSMF is a promising target,” stated Dr. Kyong Jin Shin, a cancer expert at UNIST and the lead author of the study. “By inducing a state of permanent senescence in cancer cells, we can effectively stop tumor growth without harming healthy tissues.” He added that developing drugs to inhibit this protein “may provide a new therapeutic strategy” against cancer.
The findings arrive at a time of increasing concern over rising colorectal cancer rates, particularly among younger adults. Incidence rates among Americans under 50 have nearly doubled since the mid-1990s, with many experiencing mild symptoms often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Research has as well highlighted the role of DNA damage in the development of cancer, with studies showing that a significant proportion of mutations originate from persistent DNA damage lasting, on average, between two and three years, particularly in stem cells.
Recent advancements in diagnostic tools, such as those developed by the Mayo Clinic, are also aiding in the detection of subtle changes in cancer DNA that may drive treatment resistance. These tools, unveiled in August 2025, aim to expose hidden genetic alterations within cancer cells. Scientists have identified the significance of extrachromosomal DNA in cancer development, finding that approximately 40% of solid tumors, including those in the brain, lung, and stomach, contain these circular DNA structures.
While the UNIST study offers a promising avenue for future cancer treatments, Dr. Shin emphasized the need for further research, including clinical trials on humans, to validate the findings and assess the safety and efficacy of NSMF-inhibiting drugs.
