Gecko species could help humans understand cancer
A striking pet gecko that develops aggressive tumors at an unusually high rate could be an unlikely ally in the fight against cancer, scientists say.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham discovered that the “lemon frost” leopard gecko, a white and yellow variety popular in the pet trade, naturally develops cancer in about 80 percent of individuals.
Their study, published in BMC Biology, identified genetic changes linked to the disease that affect the same genes and biological pathways that play a role in most human cancers.
Scientists hope the reptile could provide valuable insight into how cancer develops and spreads, as well as help explain why some species are extremely vulnerable to the disease and others appear naturally resistant.
Study leader Dr. from the School of Life Sciences at the University of Nottingham. Ylenia Chiari said: “By investigating why some animals are so susceptible to cancer while others are quite resistant, we hope to uncover the different ways species have evolved to cope with cancer.
“This gecko in particular could become an incredible model in cancer research because tumors arise naturally at relatively early ages. These natural strategies could inspire new ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer in humans.”
Unlike laboratory mice, which often require artificial induction of tumors, lemon frost lizards naturally develop aggressive cancers, many of which spread throughout the body.
Using whole-genome sequencing, the researchers compared tumor tissue with healthy tissue from the same animals and discovered recurring genetic changes linked to cancer growth.
Co-author Brandon Hastings said: “Overall, our paper demonstrates the importance of looking at the tree of life to find the answers needed to better understand diseases that can have a profound impact on human life, such as cancer.
“Methodologically, it also highlights that various genomic software programs developed to analyze human cancers can be adapted to provide meaningful information in a variety of organisms.”
From the University of Birmingham, Dr. Scott Glaberman added: “We often look within ourselves to solve human problems, but every species has something to teach us.
“By studying both animals vulnerable to cancer and animals that resist cancer, we have much greater power to understand the disease itself. This is one of the many reasons why preserving biodiversity is so important.”
