Iron is an essential element utilized by living cells during many cellular processes. However, evidence links iron to various diseases including cancer. The biological activity of iron stems from cycling between ferrous (Fe2+) and ferric (Fe3+) states by accepting or donating electrons in cellular reactions. Efficient electron transfer underlies its importance as an enzyme cofactor, many of which are involved in DNA replication. Iron bioavailability is, therefore, rate-limiting during DNA synthesis and cells which undergo rapid division require more iron. It is, therefore, not surprising that iron accumulation is often observed in tumor tissues.

The majority of currently available treatments are not really effective against this fatal type of cancer. Using a molecular-biological trick, Gulow and colleagues succeeded in blocking the production of one of the iron storage proteins in lymphoma cells. This leads to a rise in the level of free, non-bound iron in these cells. The iron boosts the production of free oxygen radicals which cause oxidative stress and, thus, cause damage to the cancer cells and induce their death. Healthy cells with their low iron level, however, survive the treatment unharmed.

The DKFZ researchers have already found evidence that this iron effect also works in other lymphomas. They are now investigating whether selective release of iron may be a suitable approach for developing a novel cancer treatment.

Regards

John
Editorial Assistant
Immunogenetics Open Access