Revealing DNA: Damages Related to Cancer

(Ivanhoe Newswire) – It is understood that damaged sections of DNA, often damaged during replication before cell division, may result in cancer. Now, for the first time researchers have pinpointed a particular class of DNA associated with B cell lymphoma, a form of blood cancer, named early replicating fragile sites (ERFSs).

This discovery was made by using a genome-wide sequencing approach on the B cell lymphocytes in lab mice.

Researchers observed that not only did damage to DNA occur at ERFSs in early stages of replication, but sites overlapped significantly with DNA alterations related to the blood cancer B cell lymphoma.

"This study describes an underlying mechanism of genome instability in B cell lymphoma that could not be previously explained," André Nussenzweig from the National Cancer Institute was quoted as saying.

The hope is that these findings will be able to aid future attempts to create better cancer treatments.

“Understanding how replication-induced DNA damage occurs in both healthy and cancer cells may provide a better understanding of how cancer arises and help in designing more effective treatments,” Nussenzweig was quoted as saying.

Treatments that may one day help many cancer patients live a longer and healthier life.   

SOURCE:   Cell, January 2013

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