RNA is an intermediate state between DNA and proteins, an important component of biology. "If we want to get an idea of the activity of a cell, we need to focus on the internal proteins," Geiger said.
It was not possible to review all the proteins in a cell using the technology that is available to measure proteins. But with the advancement of the month spectrometry method, it has become much easier.
Geiger has previously worked at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Germany, with Matthias Mann, a pioneer in protein research. In 2016, they jointly wrote an article. It shows that 19 proteins can differentiate HER2-positive, estrogen-receptor-positive and triple negative (estrogen, progesterone receptor and HER2 absent) breast cancer branches. In 2016, Geiger identified a new subtype of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. Its existence cannot be traced back to DNA or RNA. Such protein-based classes are often associated with the dynamics of different cancers. "We find the relationship between protein and patient longevity," Geiger said. It is not found through RNA. That is to say, proteins help us to know the depths of our cells. '
One of the most important applications of protein research is immunotherapy. In this way its quality can be increased by reviewing the results of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy destroys cancer cells using our body's natural immunity. This method has revolutionized the treatment of cancer. Biologist Karin Rodland conducted the research at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Washington. "Immunotherapy works for very few cancers," he said. However, for those whose body works, it is undoubtedly an effective treatment. But the big question is, for those who don't have it in their body, this method can be improved. '
Immunotherapy works quite well in skin and lung cancers. Other cancers have more genetic mutations. Therefore, researchers say, the effectiveness of immunotherapy depends on the amount of mutation. "If we have a lot of mutations in our genes, our bodies are more likely to get a lot of extraneous antigens," Rodland said. But this explanation is also not very reliable. 'That is why researchers are giving more importance to proteins that are sensitive to immunotherapy.
Rodland R. said, ‘It is not yet time to emphasize that protein analysis is more effective than genetic mutations to get an idea of the effectiveness of immunotherapy. But the results of several studies have been published.
A study led by Geiger in 2019 found two types of immunotherapy responses to skin cancer patients. They found some differences between the proteins associated with cancer cell metabolism. This provides an overview of the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Geiger said, ‘We started research to find the root cause responsible for insensitivity to immunotherapy. The purpose was to deter patients from ineffective treatment. But I have found a method that is more sensitive to immunotherapy. '
Concerted effort
DNA, RNA and proteins give different ideas about cancer. However, it is possible to create a complete picture of cancer by combining these. Mutations in cancer and the resulting proteins can be linked by searching for DNA and proteins. A study conducted on colorectal cancer found that changes in the number of genes affect the amount of protein made from that gene.