Cell Biology

Firefly light helps destroy cancer cells

Published in Cancer Weekly, May 13th, 2003

Could the gentle firefly turn out to be a potent weapon against cancer'

In a new study, researchers from London inserted the firefly gene that activates bioluminescent light into modified cancer cells, hoping to set off a chain of events that has a proven track record at fighting the disease.

This light source, known as Luciferin, caused the modified cancer cells to glow much like it does with the firefly. When a photosensitizing agent was added, the combination proved lethal.

"The cells produced enough light to trigger their own death," said Dr. Theodossis Theodossiou of the National Medical Laser Centre, University College...

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Source: Cancer Weekly (2003-05-13)

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