Zebrafish Embryos Contain 'Something' that can Stop Cancer Growth

[Guest guest]

[More support for the idea that the 'microenvironment' can be crucial

in cancer growth or cessation.]

Zebrafish give cancer spread clue

'Zebrafish genes are similar to humans'

A tiny tropical fish is giving scientists clues about how the most

serious form of skin cancer develops.

A team from the University of Iowa and Northwestern University found

embryos of zebrafish contain molecular cues that can stop tumors

developing.

They say the study provides an avenue for finding out more about what

fuels the growth of malignant melanomas.

The research, which has been welcomed by Cancer Research UK, is

published in the journal Developmental Dynamics.

The researchers implanted zebrafish embryos with fluorescently tagged

human skin cancer cells.

The cells were still moving around and dividing normally, but they

did not form tumors, suggesting they were responding to something in

the environment of the embryos.

The researchers say they now want to carry out further research to

find out exactly what it is within the embryos which stops the cells

forming tumours.

'Useful tool'

Dr Cornell, an embryo specialist at the University of Iowa who

worked on the study, said: " These cancer cells don't do what they do

in other circumstances, such as when they are placed under a mouse's

skin.

" The objective of our work is to use this very simple system to

identify the exact component that can influence the behaviour of

melanoma and other cancer types. "

He said finding out why could lead to the development of new

medications to tackle skin cancers.

" When we identify the crucial factor, whatever it may be, we can look

for the equivalent in humans, or make a synthetic version. "

Dr Sharp, of Cancer Research UK, said: " Zebrafish provide

scientists with a useful tool for learning more about cancer and how

it develops.

" The researchers from Iowa have discovered that zebrafish embryos

containing human skin cancer cells were able to send signals to the

cancer cells - telling them to behave normally and stopping the

cancer.

" This research is in its early days but it may provide useful

insights into how this cancer develops and possible ways of stopping

it. "