How missing pieces of the Y chromosome drive cancer in men
A new study found that cancer cells selectively chip away gene-rich sections of the Y chromosome, triggering changes that regulate tumor growth. Co-led by University of Arizona Cancer Center physician-scientist Dr. Dan Theodorescu, the paper, "Recurrent deletions and regulatory disruption of the Y chromosome in cancer," was published in the journal Communications Biology.
Men typically possess one X and one Y chromosome, with the Y chromosome governing male sex determination. However, recent research reveals that the Y chromosome also plays a role in other cellular functions. A study led by Dr. Dan Theodorescu from the University of Arizona Cancer Center found that cancer cells selectively lose gene-rich sections of the Y chromosome, which influences tumor growth.
This genetic alteration is not an all-or-nothing event but occurs as a gradual erosion of specific regions of the Y chromosome. The researchers identified 24 protein-coding genes on the Y chromosome that are commonly lost in cancer cells, with some of these genes also being lost in other cancer datasets. This loss of Y chromosome material does not occur in healthy men and is acquired over time.
The changes in the Y chromosome affect various cellular processes, including stress response, growth, and immune reactions. Understanding these specific Y chromosome losses could lead to targeted therapies for cancer patients. The study also suggests that the loss of the Y chromosome in normal tissues may serve as an early warning sign for potential cancer development.
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