The work, just published in Nature, provides insights into the earliest stages of uterine cancer development.
The endometrium is the inner part of the uterus, more commonly known as the womb lining. It is regulated by hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone and enters different states during childhood, reproductive years, pregnancy and after menopause.
Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women in the UK, accounting for five per cent of all new female cancer cases. Around 9,400 new cases are diagnosed every year, leading to the death of 2,300 women. Most cases occur in the seventh and eighth decades. Since the early 1990s, the incidence of uterine cancer has risen by 55 per cent in the UK*.
All cancers occur due to changes in DNA, known as somatic mutations, which continuously occur in all of our cells throughout life. A tiny fraction of these somatic mutations can contribute to a normal cell turning into a cancer cell and are known as driver mutations, which occur within a subset of cancer genes.
This study used whole-genome sequencing to better understand the genetic changes in healthy endometrial tissue. The team developed technology to sequence the genomes of small numbers of cells from individual glands in the endometrial epithelium, the tissue layer that sheds and regenerates during a womans menstrual cycle.
Laser-capture microscopy was used to isolate 292 endometrial glands from womb tissue samples donated by 28 women aged 19 to 81 years**, before DNA from each gland was whole-genome sequenced. The team then searched for somatic mutations in each gland by comparing them with whole genome sequences from other tissues from the same individuals.
The researchers found that a high proportion of cells carried driver mutations, even though they appeared completely normal under the microscope. Many of these driver mutations appear to have arisen early in life, in many cases during childhood.
Dr Luiza Moore, the lead researcher based at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: Human endometrium is a highly dynamic tissue that undergoes numerous cycles of remodelling during female reproductive years. We identified frequent cancer driver mutations in normal endometrium and showed that many such events had occurred early in life, in some cases even before adolescence. Over time, these mutant stem cells accumulate further driver mutations.
Despite the early occurrence of the first cancer-driver mutations, it takes several decades for a cell to accumulate the remaining drivers that will lead to invasive cancer. Typically, three to six driver mutations in the same cell are required for cancer to develop. As such, the vast majority of normal cells with driver mutations never convert into invasive cancers. When an invasive cancer develops, it may have been silently evolving within us for most of our lifetime.
Dr Kourosh Saeb-Parsy, University of Cambridge and Director of the Cambridge Biorepository for Translational Medicine (CBTM), said: Incidence of uterine cancers have been steadily rising in the UK for several decades, so knowing when and why genetic changes linked to cancer occur will be vital in helping to reverse this trend. This research is an important step and wouldnt have been possible without the individuals who gifted precious samples for this study, including transplant donors and their families.
Professor Sir Mike Stratton, Director of the Wellcome Sanger Institute, added: New technologies and approaches to investigating DNA mutations in normal tissues are providing profound insights into the procession of genetic changes that convert a normal cell into a cancer cell. The results indicate that, although most cancers occur at relatively advanced ages, the genetic changes that underlie them may have started early in life and we may have been incubating the developing cancer for most of our lifetime.
*Information and statistics about uterine cancers are available from the Cancer Research UK website: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/uterine-cancer
**The Cambridge Biorepository for Translational Medicine (CBTM) supports research requiring human tissue that aims to improve healthcare for patients. Tissue samples used in this study were from post-mortem or transplant donors, with samples also coming from biopsies for non-endometrial diseases. The authors would like to acknowledge all those who provided tissue used in this study, one third of whom were post-mortem or transplant donors. Their generous contribution is incredibly important for facilitating research that will help to improve the quality of healthcare for patients. https://www.cbtm.group.cam.ac.uk/aboutus
Luiza Moore, Daniel Leongamornlert and Tim H. H. Coorens et al. (2020). The mutational landscape of normal human endometrial epithelium. Nature. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2214-z
Image: Endometrial_glands_Luiza Moore_ Wellcome Sanger Institute
Originally posted here:
Normal human uterus is colonised by clones with cancer-driving mutations that arise early in life, study finds - Cambridge Network
- Human oocytes reprogram adult somatic nuclei of a type 1 ... [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2015]
- Glossary [Stem Cell Information] - Embryonic stem cell [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2015]
- Somatic cell nuclear transfer - Wikipedia, the free ... [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2015]
- Adult stem cell - ScienceDaily [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2015]
- Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer | Knoepfler Lab Stem Cell Blog [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2015]
- somatic stem cells - Science Daily [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2015]
- Adult stem cell - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2015]
- Redox Signaling and Stem Cell Function - Dirk Bohmann [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2015]
- What is the difference between embryonic and somatic stem ... [Last Updated On: June 11th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2015]
- somatic stem cell - Learn Genetics [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2015]
- Somatic cell - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: July 15th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 15th, 2015]
- Comparative proteomic analysis of human somatic cells ... [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2015]
- Human embryonic stem cells derived by somatic cell nuclear ... [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2015]
- Glossary | stemcells.nih.gov [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2016]
- Stem Cell Basics IV. | stemcells.nih.gov [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2016]
- Somatic stem cells in the human endometrium. [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2016]
- Adult stem cell - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2016]
- Somatic cell - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2016]
- Embryonic and Somatic Stem Cells, Whats the Difference? [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2016]
- Somatic cell nuclear transfer - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2016]
- Characterization of Regenerative Phenotype of Unrestricted ... [Last Updated On: December 1st, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 1st, 2016]
- Cloning - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2016]
- Skin graft gene therapy could treat obesity and diabetes - ResearchGate (blog) [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2017]
- Difference Between Somatic Cells and Gametes ... [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2018] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2018]
- What Is Another Name for Somatic Stem Cells and What Do ... [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2018] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2018]
- Where Do Stem Cells Come From? - verywellhealth.com [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2018] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2018]
- Stem Cell Quick Reference - Learn.Genetics [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2018] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2018]
- Somatic Cells - Definition and Examples | Biology Dictionary [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2018] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2018]
- What is the Difference Between Embryonic and Somatic Stem Cells [Last Updated On: February 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: February 27th, 2019]
- Mosaic (genetics) - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2019] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2019]
- Difference Between Embryonic and Somatic Stem Cells ... [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2019]
- Somatic Stem Cells and Cancer - Stem Cell Centers ... [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2019]
- Direct generation of human naive induced pluripotent stem ... [Last Updated On: June 5th, 2019] [Originally Added On: June 5th, 2019]
- Zinc Finger Nuclease Technology Market Estimated to Discern 2X Expansion by 2025 - Commerce Gazette [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2019]
- Tooth Regeneration Market : Huge Growth Opportunity by Trend, Key Players and Forecast 2026 - TodayTimes [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2019]
- Blast Off With Rocket Pharmaceuticals - Seeking Alpha [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2019]
- Significant Growth Foreseen by Stem Cell Therapies Market During 2015 2025 - Rapid News Network [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2019]
- Stem Cell Therapy Industry 2019 Global Market Size, Trends, Revenue, Growth Prospects, Key Companies and Forecast by 2023 - Markets Gazette [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2019]
- Stem cell therapy is for animals too - SciTech Europa [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2019]
- Detection of Latent HSCs Fated to Progress to Blast Phase in Myelofibrosis Patients Several Years Before Blast Transformation - DocWire News [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2019]
- Cell Therapy Market Forecast to 2025 | Analysis by Regions, Type, Application, and Top Key Players like Dendreon, Mesoblast, Vericel, Antibe... [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2019]
- Stem Cell Therapy Market : Opportunities and Challenges - MENAFN.COM [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2019]
- Tooth Regeneration Industry 2019 Research on Market Sales, Revenue, Top Companies and Future Development - TheFinanceTime [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Cereal rust could lead to new wheat threat - Farm Weekly [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2019]
- A short guide to regulation for disruptive technologies - Lexology [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2019]
- Youngstown State, IBM to offer high-tech training in the Mahoning Valley - Crain's Cleveland Business [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2019]
- US Nobel laureates tell us what they think about cancer research, moonshots, the dark side, funding, meritocracy, herd mentality, Trump, and joy - The... [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2019]
- Osteonecrosis Treatment Market Benefit and Volume with Status and Prospect to 2026 - Crypto Journal [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2019]
- Stem Cell Therapies Market research to Witness a Healthy Growth during 2015 2025 - Lake Shore Gazette [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2019]
- Brave new world? Why the public might be ready for gene-edited babies - Genetic Literacy Project [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2019]
- Rocket Pharmaceuticals Announces First Patient Treated in Global Registrational Phase 2 Study of RP-L102 Process B for Fanconi Anemia - BioSpace [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2019]
- Stem Cell Therapy Industry 2019 Global Market Size, Trends, Revenue, Growth Prospects, Key Companies and Forecast by 2023 - Techi Labs [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2019]
- Orgenesis and Theracell to launch point-of-care cell and gene therapy centers in HYGEIA Group"s hospitals - Proactive Investors USA & Canada [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2019]
- Cell Therapy Industry Applications 2019-Size by Type (Allogenic Therapies), by Technique (Stem Cell Therapy), Global Market Growth by Demand Analysis... [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2019]
- Stem Cell Therapies Market research Likely to Emerge over a Period of 2015-2025 - PharmiWeb.com [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2019]
- Gene Therapy Market 2019-2027 / Trends, Growth, Opportunities And Top Key - Market Research Sheets [Last Updated On: December 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 27th, 2019]
- What a time to be alive: Reproductive breakthroughs of the 2010s that changed life as we know it - FOX 10 News Phoenix [Last Updated On: December 29th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 29th, 2019]
- Stem Cells Market- What Are The Main Factors That Contributing Towards Industry Growth? - Industry Mirror [Last Updated On: December 31st, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 31st, 2019]
- Duke researchers land $6M in federal grants to advance gene editing - WRAL Tech Wire [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2020]
- Allele and Astellas Enter into an Expanded License for the Development of iPSC Lines - Business Wire [Last Updated On: January 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 20th, 2020]
- Going Gray Too Soon? Scientists Say It Really May Be Due to Stress - Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News [Last Updated On: January 25th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 25th, 2020]
- Global Gene Therapy Market is Growing to Reach 6892 Million By 2027 - Market Research News 24 [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2020]
- Scientists finally find link between stress and grey hair - nation.co.ke [Last Updated On: January 31st, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 31st, 2020]
- Global Gene Therapy Market to Cross USD 6892 Million By 2027 - TheInfobiz [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2020]
- New research shows what happens to your lung cells once you quit smoking - Daily Gaming Worlld [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2020]
- Global Gene Therapy Market Worth Reach USD 6892 Million By 2027 - TheInfobiz [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2020]
- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Market Predicted to Witness Surge in the Near Future2018 2028 - TechNews.mobi [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2020]
- Global Gene Therapy Market to Cross Around USD 6892 Million By 2027 - Global Newspaper 24 [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2020]
- Dental Regenerative Market Size, Share 2020 Regional Trend, Future Growth, Leading Players Updates, Industry Demand, Current and Future Plans by... [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2020]
- Researchers ID Protein-Protein Interaction That Promotes Cancer Development - BioSpace [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2020] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2020]
- Mapping the structure and biological functions within mesenchymal bodies using microfluidics - Science Advances [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2020]
- Forty Seven and Rocket Pharmaceuticals Announce Research Collaboration for Fanconi Anemia - BioSpace [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2020]
- Scientists 'Reset' The Age of Stem Cells From a Supercentenarian Who Lived to 114 - ScienceAlert [Last Updated On: March 25th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 25th, 2020]
- Global Tooth Regeneration Market: Industry Analysis and Forecast (2020-2027) - Publicist360 [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2020]
- Global Zinc Finger Nuclease Technology Market to Generate Lucrative Revenue Prospects for Manufacturers After the End of COVID-19 Crisis and Forecast... [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2020]
- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Market Latest Trends and Analysis Future Growth Study by 2029 Cole Reports - Cole of Duty [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2020]
- What is the Value of iPSC Technology in Cardiac... - The Doctor Weighs In [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2020]
- Somatic Stem Cells - Methods and Protocols | Shree Ram ... [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2020]
- Global Tooth Regeneration Market : Industry Analysis And Forecast (2020-2027) - Azizsalon News [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2020]
- A caveolin binding motif in Na/K-ATPase is required for stem cell differentiation and organogenesis in mammals and C. elegans - Science Advances [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2020]