New research expands earlier findings that taurine can fuel leukemia stem cells. The recent study, published in Cell Death & Disease, examines how leukemia cells use taurine in the bone marrow and how that use might affect other marrow cells.
PhD candidate Christina M. Kaszuba led experiments in mice and in the Bajaj lab. The researchers saw that mice lacking the ability to take up taurine had bones that looked weaker and were brittle. They examined mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which develop into bone and cartilage and help renew bone. RNA analysis showed a taurine transporter gene is enriched in MSCs. When mice lost this gene, MSCs had defects in becoming mature bone cells and bone growth and strength were affected.
The team suggests a trade-off: rapidly growing leukemia cells could deplete taurine in marrow, leaving bone-producing cells short. Future studies will test whether blocking taurine to suppress leukemia or supplementing it to support bone repair is better. Bajaj urges people with cancer to consult their oncologists before taking supplements.
Difficult words
- taurine — a natural chemical important for cells
- leukemia — a cancer of the blood and bone marrow
- mesenchymal stromal cell — a marrow cell that becomes bone or cartilagemesenchymal stromal cells
- taurine transporter gene — a gene for a protein that moves taurine
- deplete — use up a supply so little remains
- consult — ask a doctor or expert for advice
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- If a treatment could slow leukemia but might weaken bones, would you accept it? Why or why not?
- How important is it to ask an oncologist before taking supplements? Give one or two reasons.
- What can doctors and patients do to protect bones during cancer treatment? Describe one possible action.
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