Cell Division Typically Associated With Cancer May Also Protect the Liver from Injury

Multipolar mitosis cell division, typically associated with cancer growth, produces cells capable of sustaining the liver from injury and poisons. This finding was published in the journal Nature after researchers at the Oregon Health & Science discovered a benefit of multipolar mitosis—multipolar mitosis produces diverse, viable cells which the liver can use in regeneration.

Regeneration with the use of multipolar mitosis cell division could lead to a new method to treat liver disease suggests Dr. Andrew Duncan of OHSU Doermbecher Children’s Hospital since the liver consists of genetically distinct hepatocytes. When liver injury or toxins attack the hepotocytes, other select hepatocytes could prevent liver failure.

Therapeutic liver repopulation, live cell imaging and cytogenetic analysis were performed on mouse specimens. The group of researchers found that 4% of the polyploidy hepatocytes generated genetically distinct daughter cells as a result of multipolar mitosis.

Despite the fact that 60% of the hepatocytes underwent aneuploidy—chromosomal gains or losses associated with cancer—spontaneous cancer was rare in the mice. This suggests ploidy conveyor generated genetically unique hepatocytes by ploidy reversal. Liver failure could be prevented because of greater range of genetic diversity capable of resisting liver injury caused by toxins.

The double edged sword characteristic of a particular type of cell division usually known to cause cancer gains my interest. The advantage found in the usually death-associated cell division provides hope. In other words, researching ways to control multipolar mitosis cell division to regenerate liver tissue increases the chances to find a cure for cancer because of the direct relation. Of course we would all love to see a cure for cancer and liver disease!

Source :

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100922132004.htm

Oregon Health & Science University – September 22, 2010

Leanne Kristek, VTPP 434-501