Identifying the “Switch” That Reduces Can.cer Cell Survival by 53%
The SDR42E1 gene, known for helping the body absorb vitamin D, also plays a surprising and critical role in cancer development.

A newly published study in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology reveals that the SDR42E1 gene, which primarily helps the body absorb vitamin D from sunlight, could also be targeted in cancer therapy.

In an experiment, researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology to deactivate SDR42E1 in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells.

These cancer cells typically express high levels of SDR42E1, suggesting that the gene may be essential for their survival.

Professor Dr. Georges Nemer from Hamad Bin Khalifa University (Qatar), a co-author of the study, stated:

“We demonstrated that blocking or suppressing SDR42E1 can selectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells.”

When researchers introduced a defective version of the SDR42E1 gene into the cancer cells, their viability dropped by 53%, effectively halting tumor growth.

Further testing also revealed that SDR42E1 acts as a critical molecular “switch” for various cell types.

Interestingly, existing tools can already be used to inhibit or, conversely, enhance the activity of this gene.

According to SciTech Daily, this breakthrough finding could lead to innovative treatment approaches — either by blocking SDR42E1 to prevent cancer, or enhancing its function to improve health outcomes in other conditions such as autoimmune diseases.