Recent research suggests that dinosaurs may offer unexpected insights into cancer treatment. This notion arises from studies conducted by scientists at Anglia Ruskin University and Imperial College London, who explored the fossil of Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus, a ‘marsh lizard’ that lived between 66 and 70 million years ago. They propose that soft tissue and cellular structures in ancient remains might be preserved more frequently than previously realised, potentially unveiling crucial information regarding the origins of diseases such as cancer.

Senior author Justin Stebbing, a Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, articulated the appeal of studying these ancient creatures. “Dinosaurs, as long-lived, large-bodied organisms, present a compelling case for investigating how species managed cancer susceptibility and resistance over millions of years,” he remarked. The research outlined that proteins, especially those found in calcified tissues like bone, are more stable than DNA and are less prone to degradation. This stability makes them prime candidates for studying ancient diseases, including cancer.

The scientists have turned their attention to Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus, which roamed the territory of present-day Romania. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), they discovered structures within the fossil resembling red blood cells. This is a significant advancement, as it builds on prior studies revealing evidence of cancer within the same species and highlights the critical need to involve soft tissue analyses, which can yield molecular insights into disease mechanisms.

Further supporting this line of inquiry are findings from earlier research that have established cancer’s ancient history. For instance, discoveries made by researchers from the Natural History Museum and the Royal Ontario Museum in 2020 unveiled the presence of osteosarcoma, a malignant bone cancer, in a 76-million-year-old Centrosaurus. This significant revelation indicates that cancer has likely afflicted vertebrates for millions of years and raises intriguing questions about the evolutionary trajectory of the disease and possible avenues for modern research.

Moreover, a collaborative investigation by Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Université de Liège has shown that even the largest dinosaurs, such as sauropods, were susceptible to bone diseases, including malignancies. This evidence underscores a long-standing interaction between large-bodied organisms and cancer, suggesting that the evolutionary history of diseases can inform contemporary health challenges.

The implications of this research extend beyond palaeontology. As Professor Stebbing noted, “Unlike skeletal structures alone, soft tissues contain proteins that provide molecular information that can reveal the underlying biological mechanisms of disease.” This underscores the potential for palaeobiological research to inform modern medical treatments. However, scientists stress the importance of coordinated efforts in long-term fossil conservation to ensure that future studies can leverage these findings for advancing human health.

The way forward may involve employing underused methods to delve deeper into the molecular biology of ancient species, potentially paving the way for discoveries that could significantly benefit human medicine. As research continues to unfold, the relationship between dinosaurs and modern diseases becomes an intriguing narrative of evolution and disease management, opening new dimensions in our understanding of health across the ages.

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Source: Noah Wire Services