136582 - Curse of the devil - Final author version.pdf (1.64 MB)
Download fileCurse of the devil: molecular insights into the emergence of transmissible cancers in the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 09:19 authored by Amanda PatchettAmanda Patchett, Andrew FliesAndrew Flies, Alan LyonsAlan Lyons, Gregory WoodsGregory WoodsThe Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is the only mammalian species known to be affected by multiple transmissible cancers. Devil facial tumours 1 and 2 (DFT1 and DFT2) are independent neoplastic cell lineages that produce large, disfiguring cancers known as devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). The long-term persistence of wild Tasmanian devils is threatened due to the ability of DFTD cells to propagate as contagious allografts and the high mortality rate of DFTD. Recent studies have demonstrated that both DFT1 and DFT2 cancers originated from founder cells of the Schwann cell lineage, an uncommon origin of malignant cancer in humans. This unprecedented finding has revealed a potential predisposition of Tasmanian devils to transmissible cancers of the Schwann cell lineage. In this review, we compare the molecular nature of human Schwann cells and nerve sheath tumours with DFT1 and DFT2 to gain insights into the emergence of transmissible cancers in the Tasmanian devil. We discuss a potential mechanism, whereby Schwann cell plasticity and frequent wounding in Tasmanian devils combine with an inherent cancer predisposition and low genetic diversity to give rise to transmissible Schwann cell cancers in devils on rare occasions.
Funding
University of Tasmania Foundation Inc
History
Publication title
Cellular and Molecular Life SciencesVolume
77Issue
13Pagination
2507-2525ISSN
1420-682XDepartment/School
Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchPublisher
Birkhauser Verlag AgPlace of publication
Viadukstrasse 40-44, Po Box 133, Basel, Switzerland, Ch-4010Rights statement
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020Repository Status
- Restricted