In a groundbreaking development, biotechnology startup MicroQuin has made a significant breakthrough in cancer treatment using research conducted on the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory. The company’s study, sponsored by the ISS National Lab, involved growing 3D breast and prostate cancer cell cultures in microgravity to better understand how these cancers develop and grow.
Led by founder and CEO Scott Robinson, MicroQuin’s team identified changes in cancer cell signaling that revealed a critical factor in cancer cell survival – the ability to regulate intracellular environment changes. The researchers crystallized a protein called TMBIM6, which plays a key role in regulating cells’ intracellular environment, and developed a small molecule therapeutic that binds to TMBIM6, causing cancer cells to die while leaving healthy cells unaffected.
This innovative approach has shown promise not only for treating all types of cancer but also for other conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injury, and viral infections.
Groundbreaking Research on the International Space Station
The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory has facilitated a groundbreaking research project that could potentially lead to a treatment for all types of cancer and beyond. Biotechnology startup MicroQuin leveraged the ISS National Lab to grow 3D breast and prostate cancer cell cultures, aiming to understand how these cancers develop and grow. The research team’s findings have far-reaching implications, revealing critical insights into cancer cell survival.
MicroQuin’s research focused on identifying microgravity-induced changes in cancer cell signaling, which led to a crucial discovery. Cancer cells’ survival depends on their ability to regulate changes in their intracellular environment. The team crystallized a protein called TMBIM6, which plays a key role in regulating cells’ intracellular environment, and determined its structure. This breakthrough has significant implications for cancer treatment.
A Novel Therapeutic Approach
Based on the new knowledge gained from the ISS National Lab research, MicroQuin developed a small molecule therapeutic that binds to TMBIM6 and alters how cancer cells regulate intracellular environment changes. This causes the cancer cells to die, while leaving healthy cells unaffected. The researchers tested the therapeutic in the lab and found it effective against all types of cancer.
The significance of this discovery lies in its potential to treat a wide range of cancers, without harming healthy cells. This approach could revolutionize cancer treatment, offering new hope for patients diagnosed with various types of cancer.
Far-Reaching Implications Beyond Cancer
MicroQuin’s research has also revealed that the findings about intracellular environment regulation could apply to many other conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic brain injury, and even viral infections. This suggests that the underlying mechanisms driving these diseases may be similar, and that a therapeutic approach targeting intracellular environment changes could have broad applications.
The implications of this research are profound, as it opens up new avenues for understanding and treating a range of debilitating conditions. By altering how cells respond to environmental changes, researchers may be able to develop effective treatments for a variety of diseases.
The Power of Space-Based Research
The ISS National Lab has played a critical role in facilitating MicroQuin’s research, providing a unique environment that enabled the team to study cancer cell behavior in microgravity. This research highlights the value of space-based research, demonstrating how discoveries made in space can have direct applications on Earth.
As Amelia Smith, ISS National Lab science communications manager, notes, “Discoveries in space aren’t just achievements on a space station; they are breakthroughs that could lead to a world where families like mine are filled with hope instead of fear in the face of cancer and other devastating diseases.” The potential impact of this research is immense, offering new hope for patients and their families.
Supporting Innovation through Partnerships
MicroQuin’s research was supported by the Technology in Space Prize, funded by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) and Boeing, in partnership with the MassChallenge startup accelerator program. This prize provides grant funding for business startups participating in the MassChallenge program to conduct innovative research and technology development utilizing the ISS National Lab.
The success of MicroQuin’s research demonstrates the value of partnerships between government agencies, private companies, and startups in driving innovation and advancing scientific knowledge. By supporting cutting-edge research projects like this one, these partnerships can lead to breakthroughs that transform our understanding of disease and improve human health.
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