The role of our 'second brain' in colorectal cancer
At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, we conduct a lot of research. In our Science Stories, our researchers explain their work and the tools they use to perform their research for FHML.
There are millions of nerve cells in our intestines, which are often referred to as our 'second brain'. These cells regulate various intestinal functions, such as digestion and nutrient absorption. Veerle Melotte discovered with her research group at GROW that those nerve cells also play a rol in the development of colorectal cancer.
In this video, Veerle explains how she studies this process. By better understanding how our 'second brain' contributes to tumour growth, researchers can develop new treatments for colorectal cancer patients, and hopefully improve their survival rates.
More Science Stories? Watch how Nick van Osta uses digital twins of the heart to fill in missing puzzle pieces in heart disease.
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