VUB researchers show xCT protein is key link in inhibiting pancreatic cancer growth and limiting mood disturbances

The xCT protein, which plays an important role as a transport molecule in the cell, could play a part in cancer treatment in the future, researchers at VUB have discovered. Their work is the result of a collaboration between the research groups of neuroscientist Ann Massie of the Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy and pancreatic cancer expert Ilse Rooman of the Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology. Their recent studies on mice show that targeting the protein can not only reduce tumour growth, it can also help regulate the inflammatory response and improve mood.

By genetically removing the protein in mice with pancreatic cancer, the researchers found that as well as reducing the tumour load, it also reduced the inflammatory reaction in the body and brain. In turn, this had a positive impact on the immune system and conditions such as anxiety and depression.

“This research shows that manipulating xCT can go further than simply inhibiting the tumour growth,” says Olaya Lara, PhD researcher in the lab of Prof Massie. “It also has beneficial effects on other aspects of the illness, such as mood, which could mean a comprehensive approach to the treatment of pancreatic cancer.”

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant forms of cancer, with very low survival rates. The findings from this research offer prospects for further research and clinical studies on people.

The doctoral research by VUB researchers Olaya Lara and Pauline Janssen was published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.

Reference:

Olaya Lara, Pauline Janssen, Marco Mambretti, Laura De Pauw, Gamze Ates, Liselotte Mackens, Jolien De Munck, Jarne Walckiers, Zhaolong Pan, Pauline Beckers, Elisa Espinet, Hideyo Sato, Mark De Ridder, Daniel L. Marks, Kurt Barbé, Joeri L. Aerts, Emmanuel Hermans, Ilse Rooman, Ann Massie (2024) Compartmentalized role of xCT in supporting pancreatic tumor growth, inflammation and mood disturbance in mice. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 118, 275-286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.001