A new study published in the journal Biology suggests that ancient dinosaur fossils may help scientists achieve breakthroughs in cancer research.Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)andImperial College LondonResearchers are using cutting-edge paleoproteomics techniques to delve deeper into the microscopic world of dinosaur remains. These advanced methods open a new window into molecular secrets that have been preserved for millions of years.
New technology reveals soft tissue in dinosaur fossils, bringing new hope for the study of ancient diseases such as cancer.
The research team discovered red blood cell-like structures while studying a dinosaur called Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus. This plant-eating hadrosaur, often called a "swamp lizard," roamed what is now Romania 66 million to 70 million years ago.
Using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the researchers discovered low-density features preserved in fossil bones that are very similar to red blood cells.
The discovery raises the possibility that soft tissue and cellular components are more commonly preserved in ancient remains than previously thought.
By identifying preserved proteins and biomarkers, scientists believe they can gain insights into diseases that affected prehistoric creatures, including cancer, potentially influencing future treatments for humans.
The authors of the new study emphasize the need to prioritize the collection and preservation of fossil soft tissues rather than just dinosaur bones, as future advances in molecular techniques will allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of disease.
An independent study previously found evidence of cancer in Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus from the Sewanee Islands, suggesting it had deep evolutionary roots.
Senior author Justin Stebbing, professor of biomedicine at Anglia Ruskin University, said: "Dinosaurs were long-lived, large creatures that provide a compelling case for studying how species controlled cancer susceptibility and resistance over millions of years.
Proteins, especially those found in calcified tissues such as bones, are more stable than DNA and less susceptible to degradation and contamination. This makes them ideal candidates for studying ancient diseases, including cancer, in paleontological specimens.
"Unlike bone structures alone, soft tissues contain proteins that provide molecular information that can reveal the underlying biological mechanisms of disease.
Our study employs a relatively little-used method, sparking further exploration that may hold the key to future discoveries that could benefit humanity. However, it is crucial that long-term fossil conservation efforts are coordinated to ensure that future researchers have access to samples suitable for cutting-edge molecular studies.
Compiled from /ScitechDaily