Scientists have discovered a surprising link between taurine and leukemia cells. Research from the Wilmot Cancer Institute shows that cutting off taurine’s supply can halt the growth of leukemia cells. Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in foods such as meats, fish, and eggs, as well as energy drinks like Red Bull.
The study, published in Nature, reveals that leukemia cells rely on nearby healthy cells within the bone marrow to produce taurine. The cancer cells then hijack this supply using a specialized transporter encoded by the SLC6A6 gene. By blocking taurine uptake, researchers were able to stop leukemia growth in both mouse models and human cancer cells.
Taurine’s role in promoting glycolysis – the breakdown of glucose to produce energy – also plays a crucial role in feeding cancer growth. The study found that taurine transporter expression is essential for the growth of multiple subtypes of leukemia, including acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes.
The research team hopes to develop stable and effective ways to block taurine from entering leukemia cells. They believe this could lead to new treatments for aggressive forms of leukemia.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/could-your-energy-drink-be-feeding-cancer-what-scientists-just-discovered