Studying the food poisoning bacteria E. coli may have led scientists to discover a new and improved tool to detect cancer.
In a collaborative research project, scientists from Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics, the University of Adelaide and University of Queensland have detailed their findings in a new paper published in Scientific Reports.
Studying the food poisoning bacteria E. coli may have led scientists to discover a new and improved tool to detect cancer.
In a collaborative research project, scientists from Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics, the University of Adelaide and University of Queensland have detailed their findings in a new paper published in Scientific Reports.
Professor Michael Jennings from the Institute for Glycomics said the E. coli produces a toxin which binds to an unusual sugar that is part of carbohydrate structures present on cells (Neu5Gc) which is not usually produced by healthy cells.
Tumour antigen
“The structure that the toxin recognises is known to be a tumour antigen, that is, a substance produced by tumour cells which are recognised markers for cancer detection and diagnosis.”
Read more at Griffith University
Image: Professor Michael Jennings (Credit: Griffith University)
