As we grow older, our risk of cancer changes. In our 60s and 70s, the risk goes up because of many genetic changes in our bodies. But after about 80 years old, the risk goes down. A new study helps explain why this happens.
Scientists studied lung cancer in mice. They looked at special cells called alveolar type 2 (AT2) stem cells. These cells help the lungs heal and can also become cancer cells.
The study found that older mice had more of a protein called NUPR1. This protein made their cells act like they did not have enough iron. Because of this, the cells could not grow well, which may limit cancer growth.
Researchers also saw similar effects in human cells. When they reduced NUPR1 or added more iron, the cells grew better.
This may help scientists create treatments that focus on iron, especially for older people. These findings can also help improve cancer treatments. Understanding how age affects cancer is very important.
The research was published in Nature.
Vocabulary List:
- Genetic /dʒəˈnɛtɪk/ (adjective): Relating to genes or heredity.
- Alveolar /ælˈviːə.lər/ (adjective): Relating to or denoting the alveoli which are tiny air sacs in the lungs.
- Protein /ˈproʊ.tiːn/ (noun): A large molecule made up of amino acids essential for the structure and function of living cells.
- Limit /ˈlɪmɪt/ (verb): To restrict the amount or extent of something.
- Treatments /ˈtriːt·mənts/ (noun): Medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury.
- Research /ˈriː.sɝːtʃ/ (noun): A detailed investigation into a subject in order to discover new information.
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