A Living Oncogenic Microcell Isolated from Mammalian Cancers
The biological mechanisms underlying oncogenesis are traditionally interpreted within the frameworks of somatic mutation, clonal evolution, and, in some cases, viral infection. Here, we report the isolation, purification and characterization of a distinct class of autonomous microcellular organisms consistently recovered from independent mammalian neoplastic tissues. These entities measure…
Researchers have discovered a new class of autonomously replicating microorganisms within malignant tissues of mammals. These microcells are roughly 1-3 microns in size and are encased in an organic wall that allows for compartmentalization. Using advanced imaging techniques, scientists observed that these microcells contain a predominantly RNA-based genetic system.
The genetic information within these microcells is organized into over 2.63 million base pairs spread across 1,597 independent RNA units. Notably, the microcells do not display any bacterial signatures, including the 16S ribosomal RNA found in bacteria. Instead, they contain multiple RNA units with components similar to reverse transcriptase enzymes, mobile genetic elements, regulatory functions, and sequences associated with oncogenes.
When these microcells were isolated and purified, they had an immediate impact on cell growth in laboratory settings and caused aggressive malignancies in mice. However, when the microcells were filtered to remove particles smaller than 0.2 microns, they lost their ability to induce reverse transcriptase activity, cell transformation, and tumor formation. This suggests that the biological effects are directly tied to the intact microcells rather than filterable viral agents or soluble components.
Interestingly, vaccination targeting these microcells resulted in tumor regression and restoration of normal tissue architecture in dogs with naturally occurring cancers. Overall, these findings represent a previously uncharacterized autonomous microcell lineage within mammalian organisms. The unique combination of cellular organization, a complex multipartite RNA repertoire, intrinsic reverse transcriptase activity, and oncogenic potential challenges existing models of cancer biology, virology, and cellular evolution.
Written by urgent.news from bioRxiv's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
