Japanese team discovers cooperative cell interactions in cancer

A research team from Japan has found new insights into how cervical cancer cells interact. Their study shows that these HeLa cells form a metabolic network, which helps them cooperate better. The findings were published on March 3, 2025, in the journal Scientific Reports. HeLa cells are significant in cancer research as they are derived from a patient in 1951 and are the first immortal human cell line. The team noticed that HeLa cells display rhythmic changes in their metabolism. These fluctuations occur during the process of converting glucose, which is crucial for understanding cancer cell behavior. Lead researcher Takashi Amemiya believes this knowledge could lead to new cancer therapies. The researchers describe their discovery as a "global cooperative phenomenon." This means that individual cells interact to form a larger, connected system. By using a method called Convergent Cross Mapping, they analyzed these interactions and revealed the hidden network among the cells. Their approach could also help study other cell types, like those that regulate blood sugar. The team now wants to investigate how these interactions in cancer cells allow them to thrive and spread. The study underscores the complexity of cancer cell metabolism. Prior to this work, there was little evidence supporting metabolic oscillations in individual cancer cells. The researchers discovered that weak interactions between cells can be uncovered through detailed analysis. As they move forward, the researchers aim to understand how these metabolic interactions can enhance cancer growth. Their goal is to find innovative strategies to interrupt energy-sharing networks among cancer cells. The team comprises experts from various universities and is supported by multiple research grants.