Heart's Beating Prevents Cancer Growth, Study Finds

The Hankyoreh delves into a fascinating scientific discovery that sheds light on a long-standing biological mystery: why cancer rarely forms in the heart. The research, published in the prestigious journal Science, reveals that the constant physical exertion of the heart's beating acts as a powerful deterrent against cancerous cell proliferation.

Through meticulous experiments involving mice, the international research team demonstrated a stark contrast. Cancer cells injected into a transplanted heart that was unable to beat grew aggressively, causing significant tissue damage. Conversely, in the same mice, cancer cells introduced to their normally beating native hearts showed minimal growth. This compelling evidence directly links the mechanical action of the heart to its remarkable resistance to cancer.

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We are pleased to confirm that our hypothesis was correct: the same mechanism that prevents the natural regeneration of the heart also protects it from cancer.

The study further identified a key player in this protective mechanism: a protein called Nesprin-2. This protein acts as a bridge, translating the physical forces of the heartbeat into cellular signals. When Nesprin-2 is present, it influences the DNA's structure within cancer cells, activating specific genes that suppress tumor growth. The researchers, led by Professor Serena Zacchigna, expressed excitement that their hypothesis—that the same mechanisms preventing heart regeneration also protect it from cancer—was validated. This groundbreaking finding opens up new avenues for exploring how physical forces can be harnessed to combat cancer, potentially leading to novel therapeutic strategies applicable beyond the heart.

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The core finding from the heart is that mechanical force can be a factor regulating tumor growth.