The Hidden Hero in the Fight Against Cancer

Scientists have found a protein that might help spot aggressive cancers early. This protein, called SAS-6, helps cells get ready to divide. But it also seems to play a role in how cancer spreads. Researchers from Brunel University of London discovered that high levels of SAS-6 make cells grow more and longer cilia. These are tiny antennae on cells that sense their surroundings. The cilia then activate a pathway called YAP/TAZ, which controls genes that help tumors grow and spread. The team found that cells with more SAS-6 became more invasive. But when they removed the cilia, the cancer's ability to spread dropped significantly. They also saw the same pattern in lung cancer cells. High levels of SAS-6 made these cells more likely to spread. Removing the protein stopped the spread. This discovery is important because many cancers have high levels of SAS-6. It could be a marker for metastatic cancer. Understanding how SAS-6 and cilia drive cancer cell invasion could lead to new treatments. The researchers think this could help design therapies that target specific signaling pathways. But there's more to the story. The team also found that cells with a version of SAS-6 that doesn't break down grew longer cilia and moved more. They also changed shape, becoming flatter and more flexible—all signs of an invasive cell. This suggests that SAS-6 plays a crucial role in how cancer cells become aggressive. The researchers believe this discovery could lead to smarter therapies. It might also help predict which cancers will turn aggressive. But more research is needed to understand the full picture. For now, this protein offers a new way to look at how cellular signals control cancer spread.