Cancerous Cells Cured by Reprogramming RNA, Study

US researchers have found a way to restore cancer cells to pre-cancerous state in the lab which could pave for cancer cure.

According to BBC, researchers found that adhesive cells that hold cells together also perform signaling functions through microRNA or miRNA. Cell growth is controlled through inter-cellular connections and miRNA communication. When this is deregulated, growth goes out of control resulting in cancer. By administering miRNA, it was possible to halt uncontrolled growth, the researchers found through lab experiments.

"We should be able to re-establish the brakes and restore normal cell function. Initial experiments in some aggressive types of cancer are indeed very promising. It represents an unexpected new biology that provides the code, the software for turning off cancer," said Profesor Panos Anastasiadis, of the Department for Cancer Biology at Mayo Clinic, according to The Telegraph.

When triggered by the glue cells, the production of a protein called PLEKHA7 by cells prevents them reproducing further. Researchers found that this key signaling process that commands cells to stop multiplying does not work in cancer cells.

Researchers confirmed their findings when they removed miRNA from normal cells and turned them cancerous.

The findings have been hailed very promising as they could lead to cancer cure without the side-effects and harm caused by existing treatment options like chemotherapy and radiation.