A study from Denmark, using genetically altered (GA) mice has uncovered a crucial gene involved in the spread of prostate cancer to other parts of the body.

Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer in European men and can commonly spread to other organs (metastasis).

During the course of the study, researchers at Aarhus University used gene editing technology (CRISPR-Cas9) to create several GA mice, including ones missing a specific gene (KMT2C).

When these GA mice missing KMT2C were then induced to develop prostate cancer, the researchers discovered the animals also had a higher chance of developing lung cancer due to metastasis.

Martin K. Thomsen, lead researcher at Aarhus (pictured), said: “The study tells us both what genes are important for cancer development, but also how CRISPR can be used in modern cancer research. CRISPR helps us learn more than traditional animal experiments can.”

The findings – published in Nature Communications – could lead to better screening and earlier intervention treatments for prostate cancer patients, and avoid metastasis.