Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have uncovered how certain cancer cells repair their plasma membranes and break down damaged sections—a survival mechanism that could be targeted to curb tumor growth and spread.
Cancer cells employ sophisticated strategies to persist in the body. A January study in Cell showed they can enter a dormant state to evade chemotherapy, explaining treatment resistance and late recurrences.
In new research published in Science, University of Copenhagen scientists found that breast cancer cells use macropinocytosis to mend damaged membranes.
The plasma membrane safeguards eukaryotic cells from their surroundings. When damaged, it risks cell death, but cells counter this via macropinocytosis: they cover the breach with intact membrane, sealing it in seconds. The damaged portion then forms vesicles sent to lysosomes for degradation.
This repair mechanism has now been observed in cancer cells for the first time. The team used a laser to create microscopic holes in lab-grown breast cancer cells, triggering macropinocytosis. Disrupting the degradation step prevented repair, leading to cell death.
“Our findings offer fundamental insights into cancer cell survival,” says lead researcher Jesper Nylandsted. “We demonstrated that inhibiting this process kills cancer cells, positioning macropinocytosis as a promising therapeutic target.”
The team plans further studies on these repair pathways. Co-author Stine Lauritzen Sønder notes, “The initial seal may be imperfect, requiring additional fixes—a potential vulnerability worth exploring.”
