An international study, led by Dr. Malu Martínez-Chantar and published in Gut, has identified the protein CNNM4 as a key therapeutic target for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a rare and aggressive liver cancer. CNNM4, which regulates magnesium transport in cells, is overexpressed in CCA. Blocking CNNM4 slowed tumor growth, reduced chemotherapy resistance, prevented metastasis, and triggered ferroptosis, a process that selectively kills cancer cells.

The study also demonstrated that GalNAc siRNA technology can deliver treatments directly to the liver, offering a precise, safe, and potentially effective approach for personalized therapy. Researchers highlight that targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells could become a powerful strategy against this challenging disease.

The research involved multiple international centers, emphasizes global scientific collaboration, and forms part of the COST Action CA22125 Precision-BTC Network, showcasing significant progress toward innovative, personalized treatments for CCA.

In first-of-its-kind research, scientists from the University of Plymouth have shown how tiny plastic particles can enter vegetables through their roots and accumulate in the parts we eat.