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A new twist in cancer's DNA modification
New findings indicate that some anti-cancer drugs may paradoxically cause cancer
Issue date: 4/9/09
They looked at head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a type of tumor that is known to have various epigenetic alterations. They confirmed that HNSCC cells contained a variety of methylated genes that are usually not modified in normal cells, as previous studies have suggested.
But they found other genes that should have been methylated but weren't - the hypomethylated proto-oncogenes.
The researchers assayed several other cancer cell lines and found that abnormal expression patterns of several proto-oncogenes seemed to be similar in various cancers. Hypomethylation played a role in all.
They also discovered that demethylation of these proto-oncogenes was directed, in all cancer types studied, by the protein BORIS.
BORIS, then, serves as the link between demethylating processes and the origin of certain cancers.
Although BORIS was found to be a common regulator, the scientists believe other transcription factors may carry out BORIS-like activities in the cell. BORIS itself may one day be a therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer.
But they found other genes that should have been methylated but weren't - the hypomethylated proto-oncogenes.
The researchers assayed several other cancer cell lines and found that abnormal expression patterns of several proto-oncogenes seemed to be similar in various cancers. Hypomethylation played a role in all.
They also discovered that demethylation of these proto-oncogenes was directed, in all cancer types studied, by the protein BORIS.
BORIS, then, serves as the link between demethylating processes and the origin of certain cancers.
Although BORIS was found to be a common regulator, the scientists believe other transcription factors may carry out BORIS-like activities in the cell. BORIS itself may one day be a therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Cancer Cure
posted 4/15/09 @ 5:38 AM EST
In man's effort to help people, a lot of times it makes things worse. Vioxx was to help with pain and it worked. It kiled people which ended their pain. (Continued…)
Cardiovascular Health
posted 10/24/09 @ 12:36 AM EST
This reminds me of the saying "With friends like these, who needs enemies." Imagine paying good money to get cancer. That adds insult to injury.
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