Protein Molecule Corrects Double-Strand DNA Breaks
Posted on 2010-01-04 06:00:00 in
Cancer |
In that mutations in the BRCA1 gene are associated with a high risk of breast and ovarian cancer and that BRCA1 participates in the DNA damage response, Joanna R. Morris, from Kings College London (United Kingdom), and colleagues have studied the role of a protein molecule known as the Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) in modulating the cellular response to genotoxic stress. The researchers found that the SUMO mechanism is able to repair double-strand DNA breaks affecting the BRCA1 gene, attaching itself to the damaged gene and switching it back on, thereby helping to prevent the formation of breast cancer. Writing that: ”These data demonstrate that the SUMOylation pathway plays a significant role in mammalian DNA damage response,” the findings suggest a potential for the development of innovative approaches to stop the growth of cancerous cells.
Continue reading…
Joanna R. Morris, Chris Boutell, Melanie Keppler, Ruth Densham, Daniel Weekes, Amin Alamshah, Laura Butler, Yaron Galanty, Laurent Pangon, Tai Kiuchi, et al. “The SUMO modification pathway is involved in the BRCA1 response to genotoxic stress.” Nature 462, 886-890 (17 December 2009) doi:10.1038/nature08593 Article.
Health Headlines MORE »
For every 10 g per day increase in soluble fiber intake, a woman may reduce her risk of breast cancer by up to 26%.
Peptides from soybeans modulate neurotransmitters, thereby helping to boost circulation in the brain.
Capsaicin (found in hot peppers) and capsiates (present in sweet peppers) exert modest weight management benefits.
While over 20% of U.S. adults receive periodic health examinations each year, many do not receive recommended preventive screening tests and counseling services
Researchers from Norway suggest a mechanism by which stress may make a person fat, and being obese may create stress.
Swedish researchers report that people who are short on sleep experience greater levels of hunger.
Among women with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), regular physical activity helps to reduce anxiety, irritability, feelings of tension, low energy and pain.
For every 100 mg per-day increase in magnesium in the diet, stroke risk may decline by up to 9%.
The best male marathon runners over age 65, and the best female marathon runners over age 45, continue to consistently improve their performance.
UCLA-led team safely uses human embryonic stem cells to treat macular degeneration.
