Scientists from the University of California San Diego (UCSD), the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), and the Adelaide Medical School have developed a breakthrough in cancer detection. They engineered a bacteria called Acinetobacter baylyi to detect gastrointestinal cancers and precancerous lesions in animal models.
The inspiration for this research came from nature itself. The researchers modified A. baylyi using a gene-editing system called CRISPR. By taking advantage of the bacteria’s ability to obtain new genetic information through horizontal gene transfer, they enabled it to sense, align with, and integrate the gene KRAS, which promotes colorectal cancer, into its own DNA.
The bacteria were then able to produce a signal indicating their interaction with cancerous KRAS. This system, named Cellular Assay of Target CRISPR-discriminated horizontal gene transfer (CATCH), was tested in animal models, with the results published in Science.
The significance of this breakthrough lies in the fact that potential cancer DNA fragments do not need to be specially isolated and purified for disease confirmation. Detecting gastrointestinal cancers and precancerous lesions can be challenging, but the CATCH system simplifies the process by using A. baylyi as a sensor for mammalian DNA.
Although the initial application of CATCH was focused on colorectal cancer, the researchers believe it could have broader possibilities. They suggest that the system’s ultimate use might lie in detecting other disease-causing pathogens. Instead of trying to develop a specific sensor for each change associated with cancer, the researchers believe it would be more efficient to focus on finding a pathogen by targeting a particular DNA change that turns a harmless bacteria into a pathogen.
Despite the promising results, there is still a long way to go before the system can be tested in human clinical trials. Further research is needed to apply the CATCH system to a species that is adapted to humans. Additionally, considering the safety implications and environmental distribution of a modified bacterium that undergoes horizontal gene transfer is crucial.
This breakthrough in cancer detection has the potential to revolutionize the field of diagnostics. By harnessing the power of bacteria and their ability to interact with genetic material, scientists are developing innovative approaches to detecting diseases. While the journey towards human clinical trials is still ongoing, the possibilities offered by this research are incredibly exciting for the medical community.
