A gene that helps glioma cells keep growing
Original title: FAM60A Regulates SIN3A-HDAC Complex Activity to Induce G1/S Phase Arrest and Promote Differentiation of Low-Grade Glioma.
How far along is this research?
- Lab cells
- Animals
- Review
- Tested in people
This was done on cells in a lab, not in people. It is a very early step.
This was only done on cells in a lab dish.
The short version
In lab dish tests, turning down one gene made glioma: A tumor that starts in the glial cells. Those are the support cells of the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas are given a grade from 1 to 4. The grade says how the tumor is expected to act. See the glossary cells stop growing.
What was studied. Scientists studied human glioma: A tumor that starts in the glial cells. Those are the support cells of the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas are given a grade from 1 to 4. The grade says how the tumor is expected to act. See the glossary cells in a lab dish. They lowered or raised a gene called FAM60A and watched what the cells did.
What they found. When FAM60A was lowered, the cells grew less and stopped dividing. The cells also moved and spread less. When the gene was raised, the cells grew more.
What this means, and what it doesn't
What it could mean: FAM60A may be a target for future glioma: A tumor that starts in the glial cells. Those are the support cells of the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas are given a grade from 1 to 4. The grade says how the tumor is expected to act. See the glossary drugs. Blocking a helper protein called SIN3A, or blocking enzymes called HDACs, did the same thing. Some HDAC blockers already exist, so this gives a reason to study them more.
What it doesn't mean: This is not a treatment you can ask for. All of the work was done on cells in a dish. It was not tested in animals or in people. It does not show that anyone lives longer or feels better. It is not a cure, and it is far from everyday care.
Source: PubMed, November 1, 2026 · Read the original
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