A research team that included Amity Manning, assistant professor of biology and biotechnology, has identified potential vulnerabilities of cells with chromosomal abnormalities that are associated with tumors.
The team, led by researchers at Boston University, found that cells that undergo whole genome doubling and have too many chromosomes are more dependent than other cells on certain cellular actions or compounds.
The researchers also identified a protein called KIF18A that is important to cells that have undergone whole genome doubling.
“The findings suggest these cells possess vulnerabilities that could be exploited to interrupt the development of tumors, all while sparing healthy cells,” said Manning.
The team’s findings were reported January 27 in “'Whole-genome doubling confers unique genetic vulnerabilities on tumor cells” in the journal Nature. Nicole Hermance, a research associate/lab technician in Manning’s lab, was also listed as an author.