Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have discovered a structural weakness in extrachromosomal DNA, a type of rogue DNA found in aggressive cancers, which can be targeted therapeutically. Blocking a single repair protein, polymerase theta, causes the DNA to fall apart, suggesting a new approach to treating cancer.
Tuberculosis bacteria can evolve to withstand airborne transmission and generate antibiotic resistance, according to a new study. Researchers identified a DNA repair gene called Mfd that helps certain drug-resistant strains survive transmission.
Scientists have discovered how certain DNA repair enzymes preferentially target specific genetic sequences, leading to the accumulation of mutations in vulnerable regions. This understanding has implications for cancer development and the evolutionary process.
Research reveals Golgi complex is involved in DNA repair control, regulating protein recruitment and localization to the nucleus. The study suggests a global process of DNA repair coordinated across the cell, with organelles like the Golgi controlling it.
Researchers at Wayne State University and Indiana University have developed a new class of drugs that target the Ku70/80 DNA-binding complex, a critical enzyme in DNA damage response. This approach aims to sensitize cancer cells to radiation and improve radiotherapy outcomes for lung cancer patients.
A subset of cancers, known as microsatellite instability (MSI) and deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) cancers, are more visible to the immune system than others. Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC identified a biological feedback loop that helps activate the immune response against these types of cancer.
Researchers found that KCL-286 enhances DNA repair and reduces neuronal inflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The drug activates the retinoic acid receptor-beta pathway, promoting the expression of certain repair genes.
A new study reveals that a Green Mediterranean diet enriched with the aquatic plant Mankai can improve gene activity and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and aging. Participants who followed this diet experienced increased folate levels, which fueled one-carbon metabolism and supported DNA maintenance.
A new study has analyzed over 2100 samples to build a genetic dataset containing more than 500 million unique genes, revealing the immense potential of deep-sea biodiversity for developing new technologies. The research found that despite vast genetic diversity, deep-sea organisms rely on stable, core designs to survive extreme conditi...
The study provides new insight into how cells recognize and remove harmful DNA bases using human SMUG1 enzyme. The enzyme removes uracil and related damaged bases from DNA to prevent permanent mutations.
A new study identifies vgll3 as a key gene promoting rapid growth and early reproduction in vertebrates, yet increasing the risk of aging and cancer later in life. The findings provide rare experimental evidence for the theory that evolution favors early-life advantages even at the expense of long-term health.
Researchers discovered a key issue in the production of purines, molecules required for DNA repair, and its link to ALS. The mechanism may be reversible, offering new hope for therapeutic development.
Researchers discovered that overproduction of a DNA repair protein creates DNA damage mimicking BRCA mutations, which may respond to targeted treatments. Tumors with high levels of EXO1 protein exhibit characteristics similar to BRCA-mutant cells, suggesting personalized therapies could be effective.
Researchers found that DNA helicase HELQ promotes replication fork reversal to protect cells from toxic DNA crosslinks. This process enables stalled replication forks to reverse and stabilize, minimizing mutations and cell death. The study identifies HELQ as a critical regulator of genome integrity under replication stress.
A study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that inhibiting RNase H2 can cause significant damage to DNA and activate the innate immune system to produce signals that attract T cells to attack the tumor. This approach could lead to improved patient outcomes for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
Researchers discovered a small molecule, UNI418, that destabilizes key DNA repair proteins, making drug-resistant cancer cells vulnerable to PARP inhibitor therapy. This approach restores tumor sensitivity and improves treatment outcomes.
Researchers have captured the most detailed structural images to date of a specific type of protein's DNA repair process, revealing key steps in its repair activities. The findings provide insights for drug targets that could halt the process in cancer cells empowered by mutated BRCA genes.
Researchers identified the misdirected immune response as a central driver of tissue degeneration in severe, rapid-aging disorders. By reducing this false alarm, they restored function across multiple biological systems, suggesting the body can cope with more DNA damage than assumed if inflammation is kept in check.
A new gene catalogue provides comprehensive insights into premature aging disorders, highlighting the central role of genome maintenance and DNA repair pathways. The catalogue organizes genetic and clinical information for 56 syndromes and 160 distinct clinical entities, offering a valuable framework for future research.
A new study suggests blocking key protein p300 can create novel form of cellular stress in cancer cells, re-sensitizing chemo-resistant tumors. Cells produce proteins even with damaged DNA, leading to toxic buildup and stress inside the cell's internal quality-control system.
Researchers discovered five dominant patterns of protein-altering mutations that determine tumor visibility to the immune system. These 'fingerprints' help predict immunotherapy response and suggest a more personalized approach to cancer treatment.
A Goethe University-led study reveals how mutations in the SPRTN enzyme cause chronic inflammation and premature ageing. The research team found that damaged DNA in the cell nucleus leaks into the cytoplasm, activating defense mechanisms and leading to chronic inflammation.
A machine-learning-based algorithm developed by Tokyo Metropolitan University researchers can accurately count sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in chromosomes, giving a more objective measurement. The accuracy rate is 84%, which could help diagnose disorders like Bloom syndrome with greater consistency.
Researchers discovered that certain cancers rely on an emergency DNA repair mechanism called break-induced replication to survive. By understanding how this mechanism works, scientists can develop targeted therapies to selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells intact.
Scientists have developed an experimental drug called TY1 that repairs DNA damage and promotes healing in damaged tissue. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for heart attacks, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center discovered that inflexible DNA within nucleosomes regulates the positioning of INO80, a chromatin remodeling complex. This unique mechanism allows INO80 to position itself on the surface of nucleosomes at the right location.
A new type of DNA damage, glutathionylated DNA adducts, accumulates at high levels in mitochondrial DNA, affecting energy production and stress response. The discovery sheds light on how cells sense and respond to stress, with potential implications for diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Researchers have discovered a new class of BRCA1 mutations that can be targeted by HSP90 inhibitors, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients with breast cancer. The study found that these mutations are more resistant to PARP inhibitor treatment but can be overcome with low-dose HSP90 inhibition.
A team of scientists has found that Dicer, an ancient protein, plays a vital role in resolving conflicts between transcription and replication processes in the genome. Without Dicer, T-R collisions lead to DNA damage, mutations, and cancer. The study highlights the importance of Dicer in maintaining genome stability.
Researchers used CRISPR technology to identify HMGN1, a nuclear binding protein that contributes to trisomy 21-related CHDs. The study found that an overabundance of HMGN1 leads to abnormal heart development and gene expression.
Researchers identified a previously unknown gene, SMARCAL1, that increases the risk of developing osteosarcoma in children and young adults. The study found that approximately 2.6% of children with osteosarcoma carry inherited mutations in SMARCAL1, which may weaken DNA repair and promote tumor growth.
Researchers at CNIO have created a 'human repairome', a catalogue of 20,000 DNA 'scars' that reveal how genes affect DNA repair. This information can help determine the best treatment for each cancer type and overcome resistance to therapy.
Telomeres, which cap chromosomes, are inherited from parents in a parent-of-origin effect, with mothers contributing short telomeres and fathers long ones. This process is linked to cancer risk and aging, and researchers hope to study it further using human genome sequencing.
Researchers found that mutations in the CFAP410 gene change its interaction with another protein, making motor neuron cells more vulnerable to DNA damage and cell death. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying Motor Neurone Disease and highlights potential targets for new therapies.
A recent study by researchers at The University of Osaka discovered the crucial role of DNA repair enzyme Polβ in safeguarding the developing brain from harmful mutations. Accumulation of indel mutations near CpG sites may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers found that Fen1 protein improves cell tolerance to alovudine by counteracting the toxic effect of 53BP1. This discovery promises new cancer treatments and biomarkers for cancerous cells with Fen1 deficiency.
Scientists have found that nucleosomes act as gatekeepers for p53's molecular partners, controlling its access to the genetic code. This discovery reveals a new layer of regulation over p53's activity and opens possibilities for developing cancer therapies that restore or control p53 function.
Researchers developed a chemical probe that binds to damaged mitochondrial DNA, blocking enzymatic processes that lead to its degradation. This approach lessens mtDNA loss, preserving energy production in vulnerable tissues. The new molecule successfully reduced inflammation and maintained functional DNA despite chemical tagging.
The Association for Molecular Pathology publishes guidelines for detecting homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) in cancer. The report includes recommendations for clinical laboratories, addressing technical aspects of genomic instability and HRD analysis.
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant progress in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by combining chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. They found that pre-surgical combination therapy showed promising results, with high rates of pathological complete response and major pathological response.
Researchers found that cigarette smoke and reduced DNA repair capacity combine to increase cancer risk, with normal lung cells showing extensive damage after smoke exposure. The study's findings support a 'double hit' model, highlighting the critical role of XPC protein in preventing DNA damage.
Researchers have revealed the structural mechanisms of a major DNA repair pathway in human cells, showing how RAD51 filament promotes strand exchange and facilitates DNA repair. The study provides fundamental insights into biochemical reactions of eukaryotic homologous recombination.
Scientists at MIT have identified new potential targets for treating Alzheimer's disease, including a pathway involved in DNA damage repair. The study suggests that a combination of treatments targeting different cellular pathways may be more effective in blocking disease progression.
Researchers have elucidated the molecular mechanism by which LEM-3 cuts DNA bridges during cytokinesis, a crucial step in cell division. The study found that LEM-3 is essential for resolving persistent DNA bridges and maintaining chromosomal stability.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that DNA's behavior changes in a crowded environment, affecting the amount of stress required for strand separation. The study used microscopic magnetic tweezers to investigate interactions between DNA and various molecules.
The treatment demonstrated early signals of efficacy, with 65.7% of patients experiencing lasting stable disease, and was generally well-tolerated, with most adverse events being mild and manageable.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have made strides in understanding how cells repair DNA damage. Two studies identify key players and mechanisms involved in preventing excessive DNA signal overload, which could lead to refinements in future cancer therapies.
A University of Iowa-led study has revealed the unexpected structure adopted by the DNA repair protein RAD52 as it binds and protects replicating DNA in dividing cells. This understanding may help researchers develop new anti-cancer drugs targeting RAD52.
Senescent cells can cause chronic inflammation through the secretion of inflammatory molecules, leading to age-related diseases. The study found that a cellular circuit controlling DNA repair can suppress this inflammation, offering potential ways to promote healthier aging.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism of how anticancer drugs attack and destroy BRCA mutant cancer cells, including drug-resistant breast cancer cells. The study found that small DNA nicks can expand into large single-stranded DNA gaps, leading to cell death.
Researchers at Scripps Research have captured the first detailed images of polymerase theta (Pol-theta) in action, revealing its molecular processes responsible for a range of cancers. The study provides a blueprint for designing more effective cancer drugs by understanding how Pol-theta repairs DNA using a two-step process.
A new study reveals that radiotherapy has opposite effects on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and low-grade gliomas (LGG), with GBM patients living longer after treatment. The study highlights the need for personalized treatment approaches based on genetic and molecular characteristics to improve survival outcomes.
Research suggests that APOBEC enzymes, which normally target viruses, are unusually active in the brains of Huntington’s patients and cause genetic changes. The study found that APOBEC3A was most pronounced in causing DNA repeat expansion in a CAG/CTG tract.
Researchers discovered that DNA repair determines how cancer cells die following radiotherapy, with specific pathways triggering cell death noticed by the immune system. Blocking these pathways can force cancer cells to die in a manner that alerts the immune system, leading to new potential treatments.
Engineers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering have developed a new CRISPR toolkit that allows for precise, remote-controlled genome editing using focused ultrasound. This breakthrough enables the treatment of various genetic disorders and diseases by activating or silencing specific genes with precision.
Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute have mapped the activity of DNA repair proteins in individual human cells, discovering unique and sometimes rare ways to repair DNA damage. These proteins organize into 'hubs' where multiple damaged DNA regions come together, making the process more efficient.
Researchers have uncovered a mechanism by which the BRCA1 gene influences fertility, leading to genetic errors that can cause infertility. This breakthrough discovery enables potential therapeutic avenues for correcting or treating fertility issues in BRCA1 patients.
A new study by UT Health San Antonio reveals that BRCA1 plays a crucial role in promoting error-free DNA repair through the activation of end resection enzymes. This understanding sheds light on the tumor suppressor function of BRCA1 and has important implications for breast and other cancers.
Researchers at Colorado State University have identified an alternate method to study changes during the DNA replication process in lab settings using genetically modified yeast. This new approach provides a less toxic and quickly reversible alternative to hydroxyurea, allowing for better insight into cell cycle arrest mechanisms.
A new mechanism of DNA damage response has been identified, involving an RNA transcript that regulates genome stability. The study found that NEAT1, a long non-coding RNA transcript, plays a crucial role in recognizing and repairing DNA double-strand breaks.