Cancer may be breaking its own DNA to keep growing
Cancer cells rely on powerful genetic switches to keep growth genes running at full speed, but that intense activity can damage their own DNA. The resulting breaks are repeatedly repaired, sometimes with small mistakes that allow new mutations to accumulate. Researchers believe this self-inflicted damage may help tumors evolve while also creating a potential target for new treatments.
Cancer cells may be unintentionally breaking their own DNA as they rapidly multiply, according to new research from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The study identifies a connection between the intense activity of specific genes and the formation of double-strand breaks in the DNA molecule. These super-enhancers, which drive growth-related genes to operate at extreme levels, can put stress on the DNA and lead to breaks.
While cancer cells often repair the damage, repeated cycles of breaking and repairing can introduce errors, allowing mutations to accumulate in these highly active regions. This genetic instability may contribute to the cancer's ability to change, adapt, and become more aggressive. The researchers believe that targeting these highly stressed DNA regions could provide new avenues for cancer treatment.
Written by urgent.news from ScienceDaily Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Cancer may be breaking its own DNA to keep growing sciencedaily.com
