Scientists Say Engineered Fat Cells Show Promise in Starving Tumors
Researchers at UC San Francisco have developed a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment by engineering fat cells to combat tumors, SciTech Daily reported. Utilizing CRISPR gene-editing technology, scientists transformed ordinary white fat cells into high-energy beige fat cells, which aggressively consume nutrients, effectively starving cancer cells.
In their experiments, the modified fat cells were implanted near tumors in mice, demonstrating a remarkable ability to outcompete cancer cells for nutrients. This innovative technique not only worked against breast cancer but also showed efficacy against pancreatic and prostate cancer. The engineered fat cells even suppressed tumor growth when placed far from the cancer site.
The research, led by Dr. Nadav Ahituv, highlights the potential for fat cells in living cell therapies. Fat cells are easy to obtain, can be manipulated in the lab, and exhibit compatibility with the immune system, reducing the risk of complications post-implantation.
Moreover, the team explored tailoring fat cells to target specific nutrients, paving the way for personalized cancer treatments. With the ability to adapt fat cells for various medical applications, including diabetes and iron overload disorders, this groundbreaking research could significantly change the landscape of cancer therapy and beyond. The findings were published in Nature Biotechnology on February 4, 2025.
