Post by Admin on Nov 21, 2013 11:52:12 GMT
Researchers from a branch of the National Institute of Health (NIH) have found a set of proteins involved in immunity - supposed to defend the body - that have the bad effect of creating a large number of mutations in DNA. These genetic mutations may be just as powerful as other known causes of cancer in producing tumors in the human body, the researchers say.
The study, published in the journal Nature Genetics, focuses on a group of proteins called APOBEC (short for the tongue-tying chemical name, apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like cytidine deaminases).
When these proteins mutate, they can account for the majority of mutations in some cancers, most notably: bladder, cervical, breast, head and neck, and lung cancers.
In some samples, the researchers note, this protein accounted for 68% of all mutations.
One of the paper's authors, Dr. Dmitry Gordenin, was reported by Medical Xpress as saying that the APOBEC proteins are known to be of benefit, shutting down viruses that attack the body. But he notes that he and his team were surprised to find that they are also a detriment, mutating DNA.
Find out more in:
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263395.php
The study, published in the journal Nature Genetics, focuses on a group of proteins called APOBEC (short for the tongue-tying chemical name, apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like cytidine deaminases).
When these proteins mutate, they can account for the majority of mutations in some cancers, most notably: bladder, cervical, breast, head and neck, and lung cancers.
In some samples, the researchers note, this protein accounted for 68% of all mutations.
One of the paper's authors, Dr. Dmitry Gordenin, was reported by Medical Xpress as saying that the APOBEC proteins are known to be of benefit, shutting down viruses that attack the body. But he notes that he and his team were surprised to find that they are also a detriment, mutating DNA.
Find out more in:
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263395.php