Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University have identified “cancer-keeper genes” (CKGs), which are critical for maintaining the cancerous state of cells. Unlike cancer-driver genes that initiate tumor development, CKGs sustain tumor growth and survival. By integrating machine learning with analyses of gene regulatory networks, the team pinpointed these CKGs as potential therapeutic targets. Targeting CKGs could disrupt the stability of cancer cells, offering new avenues for treatment.
The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the gene networks that uphold cancer cell functions. By focusing on CKGs, therapies could be developed to interfere with the essential processes that cancer cells rely on, potentially leading to more effective treatments with fewer side effects. This approach represents a shift from targeting genes that cause cancer to those that keep it alive, providing a novel perspective in cancer research.
