Medium highlights UC research of light as treatment for cancer
Medium recently highlighted University of Cincinnati research that shows early indications that light can be used as a treatment for certain diseases, including cancer.
Jiajie Diao, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Cancer Biology in UC’s College of Medicine and a University of Cincinnati Cancer Center member, and colleagues at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University at Buffalo published the results of their study demonstrating light-activated proteins can help normalize dysfunction within cells in the journal Nature Communications July 25.
The researchers attached two separate proteins to mitochondria and lysosomes within stem cells. When stimulated by blue light, the proteins naturally bind to each other to form one new protein, which also brings the mitochondria and lysosome into contact. Once they are brought together, the lysosome can cut the mitochondria, achieving fission.
“We found that it can recover the mitochondrial function,” Diao said. “Some of the cells can even go back to normal. This proves that by just using some simple light stimulation we can at least partially recover the mitochondrial function of the cell.”
Featured photo at top of Jiajie Diao working in his lab. Photo/Colleen Kelley/UC Marketing + Brand.
Related Stories
UC College of Nursing Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program strengthens congenital syphilis education
October 7, 2026
University of Cincinnati Women's Health Nurse Practitioner students are gaining evidence-based education on screening, diagnosis and treatment of syphilis during pregnancy through a national multisite initiative.
Dylan Mulvaney visits CCM, where she got 'the best degree in the world'
October 6, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music alumna Dylan Mulvaney (BFA Musical Theatre, '19) visited campus to meet with current students on Friday, Oct. 2. During the 2.5 hour Q & A session, Dylan talked about her career, shared advice and answered questions from CCM's current Musical Theatre students.
FAA turns to AI to reform air traffic control
October 6, 2026
WKRC Local 12 turned to an aerospace engineering professor at the University of Cincinnati to explain the risks and benefits of a proposal by the Federal Aviation Administration to use artificial intelligence to revamp air traffic control in the United States.