Detection of enzymes involved in early cancer

Researchers have discovered two enzymes that, when combined, can participate in the earliest stages of cancer. Applying these enzymes can create focused therapies to slow or prevent tumor attacks.

David Jones, professor of cancer science at the University of Utah and senior research director at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI), said: 'We can reactivate a perfectly normal gene in a tumor cell - a gene that can prevent tumor growth if reactivated '.

He added: 'We believe these are the most problematic processes in cancer. By controlling these enzymes, we can prevent or slow the tumors' attack.

These enzymes appear to control the 'on and off switch' of important genes that can cause cancer or other diseases. The study is published in the December 26 issue of Cell.

Using melonfish with genomes similar to humans, HCI scientists have identified the previously unknown enzyme process that controls the level of DNA methylation for genes.

Metylation process. (Photo: cellscience.com) Dr. Brad Cairns, a HCI researcher and professor of cancer science at the University of Utah, said: 'Metabolism is a cellular process necessary for development. normal cells, but this process can be problematic in cancer cells and is sick. Metylation of DNA is like a switch on and off. This process' shuts down 'the necessary genes or the wrong genes, and vice versa can' open 'healthy genes and the necessary genes during the critical development phase . '

For cancer, the methylation process is misleading, leading to tumor growth. Genes that need to be 'opened' are not opened and vice versa.

The meaning of the study is the discovery of two enzymes involved in the 'open' methylation process.Deviations or imbalances in the methylation of DNA are often associated with the development of early-stage cancer and other diseases. This study provides the first evidence that this enzyme system plays an important role in ensuring that balance. They also believe that this process can be reversed.

Further research will reveal whether DNA methylation levels can be governed. If so, it will be a precondition for the creation of new drugs to re-activate certain genes and limit tumor growth.In addition, this enzyme system also helps protect the genome from mutations.

Jones said: 'We have discovered a pair of enzymes that can remove methylated DNA, but if these enzymes are working properly, they will increase the rate of mutations in methylated DNA and cause cancer. letter.The question is, when they malfunction, can we find ways to stop them and prevent those mutations. '

The enzymes involved in DNA metylation include a combination of a 5-meC deaminase enzyme, a G: T glycosylase enzyme and Gadd45.