By The Insight Post Uganda
Research
A groundbreaking discovery is unfolding at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France, as research scientists embark on a remarkable quest. They have unveiled the remarkable potential of the humble zebrafish in the battle against brain cancer, one of the deadliest diseases on the planet.
Surprisingly, according to scientists, zebrafish brains share several key characteristics with those of humans, making them an ideal model for tracking the movement of cancer cells in real-time.
In recent years, these small, easy-to-breed fish have become a vital asset for cancer researchers seeking breakthroughs in their relentless battle against this devastating disease.
Within the walls of the research institute’s fish farm, located in the basement, Sébastien Bédu, a dedicated research engineer, carefully collects eggs laid by these remarkable fish. With a delicate touch, he injects a DNA fragment containing a specific gene of interest into the eggs, setting in motion a cascade of scientific exploration.
The advantages of utilizing zebrafish for cancer research are manifold. Unlike mice, the zebrafish model does not necessitate surgical procedures, simplifying the experimental process significantly.
Although not as prevalent in laboratories as their rodent counterparts, zebrafish possess an amazing similarity to humans, with approximately 70 percent of human genes having an equivalent within the zebrafish genome.
This striking genomic resemblance provides scientists with a valuable tool to replicate physiological characteristics observed in humans.
Size matters and zebrafish have yet another advantage that researchers find invaluable: their small stature. This compactness enables scientists to breed substantial numbers of fish within limited volumes of water, making large-scale experiments more feasible.
Bédu, with a hint of excitement, describes zebrafish as a “researcher’s dream model” due to their ease of management and cost-effectiveness when compared to rodents.
However, it is not just their manageable size and genomic similarities that make zebrafish an exceptional research subject. The fish’s early developmental stage presents a mesmerizing phenomenon-complete transparency. While adult zebrafish sport their distinctive stripes, their larval stage is entirely see-through. This transparency grants researchers the extraordinary ability to observe various biological processes within the organism using only a microscope.
Laure Bally-Cuif, the Director of the Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Department at the Institute Pasteur, emphasises the significance of this living model saying in this living animal, they can track cells i.e. how they move, how they divide, how they die—without any invasive procedure.
Simply because he explains, the nervous system stem cells of the zebrafish hold particular intrigue for the institute’s researchers. Unlike mammals, zebrafish possess an abundance of these cells in their adult brains, presenting a unique opportunity to study their functions and potential implications for diseases.
Stem cells play a vital role in brain plasticity, generating neurons essential for normal brain function. However, when these cells malfunction, they can contribute to the onset of diseases.
By delving into the intricate workings of zebrafish stem cells, scientists hope to unravel the mysteries of their normal functioning and, ultimately, find ways to correct or activate them for therapeutic purposes.
One devastating brain tumour that remains without a cure is glioblastoma, a rare yet highly aggressive form of cancer. The researchers at the Institut Pasteur are harnessing the power of the zebrafish brain to gain a deeper understanding of glioblastoma development and its destructive migration patterns.
Sandrine Etienne-Manneville, the Head Of Cell Polarity, Migration, And Cancer at the institute, explains their mission: “What we’re trying to find out is how to block cancer cell migration”. To do this, Sandrine says, they need to first understand how they migrate.
To track the migration of cancer cells, scientists extract tumour cells from patients with glioblastoma and inject them with fluorescent colouring. These labelled cells are then introduced into the brains of transparent zebrafish
Hope for the poor patients
The utilization of zebrafish in brain cancer research holds hope not only for patients in developed countries but also for those in the developing world. The advantages offered by zebrafish as a research model, such as cost-effectiveness, ease of breeding, and non-invasive observation of cellular processes, make it a promising avenue for studying brain cancer and potential treatments.
In the developing world, where resources for advanced medical research and cutting-edge technologies may be limited, the affordability and accessibility of zebrafish research offer a glimmer of hope. The relatively low cost of maintaining zebrafish colonies and conducting experiments makes it a viable option for research institutions with restricted budgets. This opens up opportunities for scientists and researchers in developing countries to contribute to the field of brain cancer research.
Furthermore, the transparent nature of zebrafish larvae provides an unprecedented opportunity to observe cellular behaviour and the movement of cancer cells without invasive procedures. This non-invasive approach allows researchers in resource-constrained settings to study the dynamics of brain cancer cells with fewer requirements for sophisticated equipment or complex experimental techniques.
By uncovering critical insights into the mechanisms of cancer cell migration and behavior, zebrafish research may pave the way for the development of more targeted and effective treatments for brain cancer. These advancements hold significant potential for patients in the developing world who may have limited access to expensive and advanced therapies.
Collaborative efforts between research institutions worldwide can further amplify the impact of zebrafish research on brain cancer treatment in developing countries. By sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources, scientists from different regions can work together to accelerate progress in understanding the disease and finding innovative solutions that are cost-effective and suitable for implementation in diverse healthcare settings.
Ultimately, the hope offered by zebrafish research lies in its potential to unlock new therapeutic strategies and improve outcomes for brain cancer patients, regardless of their geographical location. While challenges remain in translating laboratory findings into clinical applications, the valuable insights gained from zebrafish studies have the potential to benefit patients worldwide, including those in the developing world who may face additional barriers to accessing advanced medical treatments.
However, in terms of cost, for example in Uganda, the expenses can vary between Ugx7 million and Ugx10 million for the surgery. However, a comparable procedure in India would amount to approximately Ugx23 million. This means few people cannot afford it except when they get support from donors.
Common Cancers In Uganda
According to the Uganda Cancer Society (UCS), there are more than 200 different types of cancers each with it’s name and treatment. In Uganda the most common types of cancer are: cancer of the cervix, cancer of the breast, cancer of the prostate, kaposis sarcoma, cancer of the ovary, cancer of the colon, cancer of the liver, leukemia, burkitts lymphoma (commonly found in children) etc.
During the commemoration of World Cancer Day on February 4th, Dennis Olodi, the Executive Director of UCS, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap in cancer care. He shed light on the difficulties faced by individuals and families affected by cancer in Mukono District.
Additionally, Olodi acknowledged and commended the Government of Uganda for its efforts in tackling cancer. These efforts include the establishment of regional cancer centres and the provision of palliative care services.
“I thank the government for the ongoing development of the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP), which aims to streamline interventions and align them with the country’s cancer burden,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Olodi stressed the pressing need to expedite the implementation of the NCCP in light of the healthcare system’s weak infrastructure, resource limitations, and insufficient stakeholder engagement.
In his statement, he highlighted the concentration of treatment services primarily at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Kampala, resulting in inconvenience and higher expenses for patients. To address these challenges, Olodi advocated for a transition towards home care and the active involvement of cancer survivors in offering peer-to-peer support.
Additionally, he underscored the significance of consistent funding for cancer programs to maintain the momentum achieved in cancer control initiatives. However, he urged the government and development partners to prioritize the allocation of funds for cancer and palliative care services.
“Economic uncertainties and insufficient budgetary provisions presented significant obstacles that needed to be addressed to ensure adequate resources for cancer-related endeavours,” Olodi emphasised.
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