IITK researchers identify protein enabling colorectal cells withstand chemotherapy

Lucknow: In a breakthrough that could reshape colorectal cancer treatment strategies, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur have identified a protein that enables colorectal cancer cells to withstand chemotherapy.

The protein, DKC1, will eventually serve as a biomarker to identify patients who may need targeted treatment instead of routine chemotherapy, said researchers. Until now, DKC1 was mainly known for supporting basic cellular functions related to growth and ageing.

Spearheaded by Prof Bushra Ateeq from the department of biological sciences and bioengineering, IITK, with researchers from Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, and Henry Ford Health System, USA, the research has been published in a journal, Nature Communications.

Prof Ateeq said the research discovered the role of DKC1 which alters how cancer cells change fat production mechanisms and determines the survival and growth of tumours. “Our discovery can pave the way for redesigning the treatment strategy for colorectal cancer patients who are not responding to conventional chemotherapy drugs,” she said.

“While many patients initially respond to the treatment, the disease often develops resistance, becomes more aggressive and difficult to manage. The identification of DKC1 driven tumour progression offers fresh hope for tackling this challenge,” she said.

Prof Ateeq explained that in the research, it was found that high levels of DKC1 in the tumour allow cancer cells to bypass the body’s natural self-destruction machinery. Normally, unhealthy cells destroy themselves, but DKC1 interferes with this process, helping cancer cells survive and grow faster.

Further, laboratory experiments showed that targeting DKC1 levels slowed down the tumour growth and made the cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy. “In addition, blocking the signalling pathways linked to DKC1, and fat production weakened the cancer progression,” Prof Ateeq said.

Findings obtained from patients showed that individuals with higher DKC1 levels had advanced disease and poorer survival rates.

The new findings show it also plays a crucial role in helping cancer cells escape treatment by regulating specialised fat molecules.

Prof Ateeq was supported by Umar K Khan, Ayush Goel and Shivansh Nigam in her research along with national and international collaborators.