Beijing.- A team of Chinese researchers has developed an intelligent control system in genetically modified bacteria to attack tumors accurately and safely, activated by near-infrared (NIR) light.
This breakthrough could significantly improve the effectiveness of bacterial cancer therapies by allowing localized and regulated administration of cancer drugs, local newspaper The Paper revealed on Wednesday.
The study, published in the journal Nature Cancer, was carried out by scientists from the East China Normal University, with the participation of Professor Ye Haifeng and Research Associate Guan Ningzi.
The experts designed an optogenetic system called NETMAP (Near-Infrared Light-Mediated PadC-Based Photoswitch), which allows gene expression to be modulated in oncolytic bacteria through infrared light irradiation.
The bacteria used in the research were modified to contain a "biological switch" based on the PadC protein, which responds to NIR light and activates the production of anticancer drugs directly at the tumor site.
This method offers advantages over conventional therapies by allowing precise dose control and reducing adverse effects.
According to the results obtained in preclinical mouse models, the application of the NETMAP system in lymphoma, colon cancer and breast cancer tumors demonstrated a tumor reduction of up to 80%.
In trials with patient-derived xenografts (PDX), significant inhibition of tumor growth and an increase in cancer cell apoptosis were observed.
Professor Ye emphasized that near-infrared light has high penetration into biological tissues, facilitating the activation of modified bacteria without invasive procedures.
In addition, the researchers genetically modified the oncolytic bacterial strains to improve their safety, eliminating genes associated with toxicity without affecting their ability to colonize tumors.
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The research team is currently collaborating with the Ruijin Hospital of Jiao Tong Medical University from Shanghai to evaluate the clinical feasibility of this technology.
According to experts, the next steps will include expanding studies to other types of cancer, such as melanoma and breast cancer, with the goal of moving toward human trials.
In recent months, Chinese researchers have also developed Artificial intelligence tools to improve early detection of esophageal cancer and have inaugurated medical isotope production devices for high-precision cancer treatments.
