Cell Division Remnant: A Potential Culprit in Cancer Spread

Researchers have discovered that the midbody remnant, previously thought to be a cellular waste product, contains genetic material that can influence the fate of other cells, including promoting the development of cancer. The midbody, formed during cell division, contains RNA and cellular machinery necessary for protein production. These RNA blueprints are not related to cell division but instead play a role in cell communication and activities such as pluripotency and oncogenesis. Midbody remnants can be released into the bloodstream and taken up by other cells, potentially altering their behavior. The findings suggest that targeting midbody RNA could be a promising approach for cancer detection and therapeutics.