Occasionally in the research world, investigation in one particular study can lead to accidental and novel discoveries in another. Such was the case recently as the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where life science researchers working on zebrafish embryos stumbled upon a revelation about colon cancer that also applies to humans.
The study began with the work of Cunming Duan (pictured left), professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at U-M. His lab was studying the growth of zebrafish embryos, in particular the role of cells that import calcium into the body. These cells are found in the intestines and stomach of humans, but they live right on the skin of zebrafish embryos, making them much easier to study. Duan was tracking these cells with a fluorescent marker when he noticed something strange.
"We found accidentally that these cells divide like crazy when you change the water calcium level," he reported in a U-M news release. In particular, the cells proliferated the most when calcium levels were significantly low. The rate at which the cells multiplied made Duan think of a tumor. "We then wondered if the growth factor involved had anything to do with colon cancer.”
Zebrafish embryos in normal water (left) and calcium-depleted water (right). The cells that import calcium are marked with black. Note the large amount of cells present in calcium-depleted water. Image courtesy of U-M.
Further research revealed that, in fact, lower calcium levels did cause colon cancer in these embryos. The reason lies in a calcium regulation mechanism that the zebrafish activate when in water with low calcium. Basically, it creates lots more of the cells that import calcium, to better glean what little calcium is available. The drawback is that if the body still does not obtain enough calcium, more of these cells are created and a tumor begins to form. Duan found that this same mechanism is present in humans, which is why extreme calcium deficiency can lead to colon cancer in humans.
The University of Michigan endowment has reached $8.4 billion for this fiscal year, which is a record high for the university. The U-M endowment is ranked as the second largest endowment in the nation among public universities and the seventh largest among all U.S. universities, according to this U-M article. For more detailed funding statistics regarding the University of Michigan, read on with our Funding Statistics and Vendor Show Info report:
Biotechnology Calendar, Inc. pays a visit to the University of Michigan each year for its Ann Arbor BioResearch Product Faire™ held annually. The next such show will be held on July 24th, 2014. Biotechnology Calendar is a full service event company that has produced on-campus, life science research trade shows nationwide for the past 20 years. We plan and promote each event to bring the best products and services to the finest research campuses across the country. If you are a university researcher or a laboratory product vendor, consider attending one of our on-campus trade shows; click below to reserve space at the Ann Arbor show or have a look at our 2013 schedule and 2014 schedule.
