A team of researchers at Flinders University in Australia has made a big discovery that could redefine our understanding of cancer’s origins.
Led by Professor Simon Conn, the study shows the role of circular RNAs, a type of genetic material, in potentially triggering mutations that can lead to cancer.
This research introduces a novel concept known as ‘ER3D’ (endogenous RNA directed DNA damage), marking a significant leap forward in the realms of medical and molecular biology.
For the first time, scientists have identified a genetic molecule common in many people that possesses the ability to alter our DNA from within, setting the stage for cancer development.
This discovery not only broadens our comprehension of how cancers originate but also opens new avenues for the development of targeted cancer therapies and early detection markers.
The research team conducted a comparison between the neonatal blood tests of babies who later developed acute leukemia and those of children who remained free from any blood disorders.
Remarkably, a specific circular RNA was found in higher quantities in the blood of babies who went on to develop leukemia.
This finding suggests that the presence of certain circular RNA molecules in our cells might significantly influence the activation of cancer-causing genes.
Professor Conn explains that circular RNAs can attach themselves to DNA in various cells, initiating a series of events that ultimately lead to DNA damage.
This damage necessitates repair for the cell’s survival, yet the repair process is often flawed, resulting in mutations. In some instances, these mutations are minor, but they can also be extensive and harmful, potentially leading to cancer.
Dr. Vanessa Conn, the study’s lead author, highlighted that multiple circular RNAs could work together to induce breaks in the DNA at numerous sites.
This process, known as chromosomal translocation, can have dire consequences, including the transformation of normal cells into malignant ones through gene fusions.
This mechanism was specifically linked to the rapid development of aggressive leukemia in the study.
This research sheds light on how gene fusions, common in leukemia and known for guiding treatment options due to their association with poorer outcomes, actually occur.
Australia, having the highest incidence of leukemia globally, stands to benefit greatly from this insight.
Furthermore, the study suggests that the effects of ER3D extend beyond leukemia to other cancers and diseases, offering a broader perspective on the potential impact of circular RNAs.
If you care about cancer risk, please read studies that exercise may stop cancer in its tracks, and vitamin D can cut cancer death risk.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies that yogurt and high-fiber diet may cut lung cancer risk, and results showing that new cancer treatment may reawaken the immune system.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
