https://www.nccs.com.sg/news/research/scientists-discover-how-excessive-red-meat-consumption-increases-colorectal-cancer-risk [nccs_favic] [spcommon] You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Please enable scripts and reload this page. Turn on more accessible mode Turn off more accessible mode Skip Ribbon Commands Skip to main content Turn off Animations Turn on Animations SingHealth [How can we help you?]Search It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Appointment Appointment Find a Condition or Treatment Find a Condition or Treatment Find a Doctor Find a Doctor Menu * About Us Back to Home Corporate Profile + Vision & Mission + NCCS Leadership + Annual Report + Awards + Key Milestones + Whistle-blowing Policy Newsroom + Press Releases + Check Fake News Visitors Information Contact Us + Feedback Form + Patient Liaison Service * Patient Care Back to Home Specialties & Services + Goh Cheng Liang Proton Therapy Centre + Haematology + Medical Oncology + Surgery & Surgical Oncology, SGH and NCCS + Radiation Oncology + Oncologic Imaging + Supportive & Palliative Care + Comprehensive Liver Cancer Clinic + Cancer Genetics Service + Lung Multidisciplinary Clinic + Nursing + NCCS Oncology @ SKH + NCCS Oncology Clinic @ CGH + Department of Psychosocial Oncology + Cancer Education and Information Your Clinic Visit + Book an Appointment + When seeing a doctor + Pharmacy + Medicine + Charges & Payment + Financial Aid + Video Consultation + Rights & Responsibilities as a Patient Cancer Information & Patient Support + For Patients + For Caregivers + Publications + Patient Stories E-Services + Make/Change/Cancel Appointment + Request for Medical Report + Health Buddy App Find a Doctor * Research & Innovation Back to Home Research Labs + Cellular & Molecular Research + Medical Sciences + Clinical Trials & Epidemiological Sciences + NCCS Research Committee & Scientific Advisory Board + Research Divisions Organisation Chart Programmes + Disease Focus + Research Themes + Joint Breast Cancer Registry + Asia-Pacific Hepatocellular Carcinoma Trials Group + The VICTORY Consortium Facilities + Overview + Specialised Units + Shared Facilities + Shared Services + Research Contracts and Commercialisation Our Researchers + Division of Medical Oncology + Division of Surgery & Surgical Oncology, SGH and NCCS + Division of Radiation Oncology + Division of Oncologic Imaging + Division of Supportive and Palliative Care + Cellular and Molecular Research + Division of Medical Sciences + Clinical Trials & Epidemiological Sciences + Research Biennial Book Clinical Trials + About Clinical Trials + Current Clinical Trials + ECRU + About Clinical Trials & Epidemiological Sciences + Clinical Trials Office + Biostatistics and Epidemiology Unit SingHealth Research * Education & Training Back to Home Overview Division of Cancer Education + Undergraduate Education Unit + Postgraduate Education Unit + Nursing Education Unit + Faculty Development & Support Education Unit + Primary Care Oncology Education Unit + Communications, Mentoring, Ethics and Professionalism Education Unit + Medical Humanities Education Unit Events SingHealth Academy * Careers Back to Home Sponsorship + Career Conversion Programme Scholarships * Giving Back to Home Why Give + About Us + Funding Innovative Research + Preventing Cancer + Advancing Medical Education + Helping Our Patients + Furthering Donor Impact + How Your Gift Helps Get Involved + Honouring Your Gift + Become a Corporate Donor + Leave Your Legacy + Fundraise for Us + Join a Special Event Your Gift at Work + Stories of Hope + Researchers in Action + Support for Patients + Our Work in the Community + Training Future Experts Be Informed + Our Publications + Financial Statements Make a Gift Our Campaign + Make More Survivors + Jeans For Genes + Women VS Cancer + BCAM 2024 + LCAM 2023 Volunteer Home to skip to the main content on a page to skip to the main content on a page Home > news > research > scientists discover how excessive red meat consumption increases colorectal cancer risk Scientists Discover How Excessive Red Meat Consumption Increases Colorectal Cancer Risk 2024-10-24T09:56:11.0000000Z SingHealth Article Page 7088 [How can we help you?]Search It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Scientists Discover How Excessive Red Meat Consumption Increases Colorectal Cancer Risk * Facebook * WhatsApp * Email Us * share * Font Resize + A- + A + A+ * Print By 10/24/2024 5:47:00 PM | The article is contributed/written by New study uncovers the link between dietary iron and cancer progression, offering hope for targeted therapies in Singapore and beyond. SINGAPORE - Scientists at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) along with collaborators from the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) have uncovered a critical link between the overconsumption of red meat and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Their findings pave the way for new therapeutic approaches targeting telomerase, an enzyme implicated in cancer progression. Colorectal cancer, which affects the colon or rectum, is the third most common cancer globally and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Singapore^1. While it is known that both genetics and lifestyle factors, such as diet, contribute to its development, the exact mechanism linking excessive red meat consumption to cancer has remained unclear--until now. In a study published in the prestigious journal Cancer Discovery, the researchers discovered that iron from red meat reactivates telomerase, an enzyme that extends the ends of DNA chromosomes, driving the progression of colorectal cancer. This breakthrough offers crucial insights into how dietary habits influence cancer development. Promising New Therapeutic Approach The study also identified a promising new treatment approach. The research team found that a small molecule, SP2509, can block the reactivation of telomerase in cancer cells by inhibiting iron's interaction with the enzyme. In laboratory tests using cancer cell lines, SP2509 not only halted telomerase reactivation but also reduced tumour growth, presenting a new strategy for combating colorectal cancer. Scientists from A*STAR Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) led the cross-disciplinary team that included scientists from A*STAR Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), as well as clinicians from Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and NCCS. "Understanding the role of iron in telomerase activation opens up new avenues for addressing colorectal cancer," said Professor Vinay Tergaonkar, Distinguished Principal Investigator at A*STAR IMCB. "Our future research will focus on refining therapeutic strategies that target this mechanism, with the hope of developing more effective treatments for patients, particularly those with high iron levels. We are excited about the potential of small molecules like SP2509 to revolutionise cancer care and improve outcomes for patients globally." Research Insights and Methodology To uncover how high iron levels contribute to colorectal cancer progression, the team studied samples from colorectal cancer patients, using a combination of human colorectal cancer cell lines and advanced laboratory models. By collaborating with clinicians from NCCS, they demonstrated that iron interacts with an iron-sensing protein called Pirin, leading to the reactivation of telomerase in cancer cells--a key factor in their unchecked growth. Further chemical screens on human colorectal cell lines identified the small molecule SP2509, which competes with iron for binding to Pirin, effectively inhibiting telomerase reactivation. These findings not only offer a novel treatment approach but also provide valuable insight into the molecular pathways linking high intake of iron-rich red meats to colorectal cancer. Colo-SCRIPT, the national research programme that aims to harness insights on distinct colorectal cancer subtypes to reduce cancer incidence and enhance patient outcomes, will leverage these findings under the programme's theme to establish the role of environmental, metabolic and microbial risk factors enabling disease progression. "Through Colo-SCRIPT, we will continue to investigate the role of iron and other risk factors and their influence on how colorectal cancer develops. Findings provide valuable insights into how they drive different subtypes of colorectal cancer and can allow us to identify novel methods to prevent and treat the disease," said Associate Professor Iain Tan, Senior Consultant in the Division of Medical Oncology, NCCS. ^1Source: Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2021. National Registry of Diseases Office, Ministry of Health, Singapore. Available at: https://www.nrdo.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider3/ default-document-library/scr-ar-2021-web-report.pdf - END - For media queries and clarifications, please contact: Owen Sia Senior Manager, Corporate Communications Agency for Science, Technology and Research Tel: +65 6517 7866 Email: owen_sia@hq.a-star.edu.sg Dharshini Subbiah Manager, Corporate Communications National Cancer Centre Singapore Email : dharshini.subbiah@nccs.com.sg ______________________________________________________________________ About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR's R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg. Follow us on Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok About the National Cancer Centre Singapore The National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) is a leading national and regional tertiary cancer centre with specialists who are experts in treating cancer. In addition to offering holistic and multidisciplinary oncology care, our clinicians and scientists collaborate with local and international partners to conduct robust, cutting-edge clinical and translational research. To achieve its vision of being a global leading cancer centre, NCCS offers world-class care and shares its depth of experience and expertise by training local and overseas medical professionals. To meet growing healthcare needs, the new NCCS building opened in 2023 with increased capacity and expanded facilities dedicated to cancer care, rehabilitation, research and education. To give patients the best treatment outcomes, advanced and innovative treatment such as proton therapy is offered at the new Goh Cheng Liang Proton Therapy Centre at NCCS. In 2024, NCCS celebrates its silver anniversary, celebrating 25 years of advancing cancer care from breakthroughs to healing. Research * Download the original article ||| Tags: ; ; ; ; Press Release; ; National Cancer Centre Singapore; ; ; ; ; ; ; Research * Facebook * WhatsApp * Email Us * share * Font Resize + A- + A + A+ * Print * * * Venue: * Audience: * Cost: * Google Calendar * Outlook Calendar * iCal Calendar * Facebook * WhatsApp * Email Us * share * Font Resize + A- + A + A+ * Print By | The article is contributed/written by * Download the original article ||| Tags: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; In The News View all New study determines higher dosage for radioembolisation Research New study determines higher dosage for radioembolisation 10 Oct 2024 Scientists Discover How Excessive Red Meat Consumption Increases Colorectal Cancer Risk Research Scientists Discover How Excessive Red Meat Consumption Increases Colorectal Cancer Risk 24 Oct 2024 96.3Hao FM All About Health - Dr Nicole Thio Patient Care 96.3Hao FM All About Health - Dr Nicole Thio 24 Oct 2024 SGH fungi expert trains AI for infection diagnosis Lighternotes SGH fungi expert trains AI for infection diagnosis 23 Oct 2024 | LighterNotes (SGH) News Across SingHealth View all New study determines higher dosage for radioembolisation Research New study determines higher dosage for radioembolisation 10 Oct 2024 Scientists Discover How Excessive Red Meat Consumption Increases Colorectal Cancer Risk Research Scientists Discover How Excessive Red Meat Consumption Increases Colorectal Cancer Risk 24 Oct 2024 Healthy Living Tips by Healthy Living Tips View more Discover articles,videos, and guides afrom Singhealth's resources across the web. These information are collated, making healthy living much easier for everyone. Gum Disease & Diabetes - Doctor Q&A Gum Disease & Diabetes - Doctor Q&A How To Prevent Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) How To Prevent Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Post-Stroke Exercises (Lower Limb Strength Training) Post-Stroke Exercises (Lower Limb Strength Training) Post-Stroke Exercises (Upper Limb Strength Training) Post-Stroke Exercises (Upper Limb Strength Training) Related Events View all Nov 2 Sat Healthcare Professionals Cardiovascular Update 2024 via Zoom Jul 29 Mon Community Partners Singapore Biodesign Health and Medtech Innovation Workshops Exact location for each workshop will be provided upon participant registration Related Studies View all Research News View all New study determines higher dosage for radioembolisation Research New study determines higher dosage for radioembolisation 10 Oct 2024 Scientists Discover How Excessive Red Meat Consumption Increases Colorectal Cancer Risk Research Scientists Discover How Excessive Red Meat Consumption Increases Colorectal Cancer Risk 24 Oct 2024 [website-si] SingHealth Updates for Healthcare Professionals HealthXchange E-news Subscription Health Buddy App Last updated on x SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL [ico-mail] Subscribe to our mailing list to get the updates to your email inbox... [ ] Please enter a valid email.Entered email already exists.Please enter a valid email.Subscribe About NCCS * Newsroom * Visitors Information * Contact Us Patient Care * Cancer Information * Specialties & Services * Your Clinic Visit * Patient Support * E-Services Research & Innovation * Research Labs * Programmes * Facilities * Our Researchers * Clinical Trials * SingHealth Research Education & Training * Overview * Professional Development * Fellowship Programme * Events Careers Giving * Why Give * Get Involved * Your Gift at Work * Be Informed * Make a Gift * Volunteer SingHealth * [ico-singap] * [ico-changi] * [ico-skh-wi] * [ico-kkwch-] * [ico-nccs-f] * [ico-ndcs-f] * [ico-nhcs-f] * [ico-nni-fu] * [ico-snec-f] * [ico-shcomm] * [ico-polycl] * [ico-singap] * [ico-nhcs-f] * [ico-changi] * [ico-nni-fu] * [ico-skh-wi] * [ico-snec-f] * [ico-kkwch-] * [ico-shcomm] * [ico-nccs-f] * [ico-polycl] * [ico-ndcs-f] SingHealth Duke-NUS [ico-add] 30 Hospital Boulevard, 168583 [ico-tele] +65 6436 8000 * facebook * youtube * instagram * LinkedIn Award1Award2Award3Award4Award5 Singapore Health Awards (c) 2024 SingHealth Group. All Rights Reserved. * Terms of Use * PDPA * Rate Our Website * Report Vulnerability * Best viewed on IE 11, Firefox 27, Chrome 22, and Safari 7 and above. * [ico-]Find a Doctor * [ico-]Condition & Treatment * Home * [ico-ap]Appointment * [ico-eservi]E-services