New mapping tool pinpoints cancer hotspots
February 23rd, 2012 - 2:35 pm ICT by IANSSydney, Feb 23 (IANS) A new mapping tool simplifies cancer detection by pinpointing genetic information that may be linked with cancer hotspots, a study reveals.
A research team, led by Thomas Preiss, professor from the John Curtin School of Medical Research, used a new mapping technique to reveal tell-tale “sign posts” in DNA’s lesser-known relative, RNA — ribonucleic acid.
“RNA acts as a messenger, carrying genetic information to the parts of the cell in which proteins are made. Enzymes in the cell can modify RNA, leaving ’sign posts’,” Preiss was quoted by the journal Nucleic Acids Research.
“The enzymes that modify RNA have proven connections to cancer and stem cell biology. Understanding the patterns of these modifications will help cancer researchers focus their attention on the contribution that RNA makes to cancer,” said Preiss, according to a university statement.
Researchers comprehensively mapped these modifications in RNA for the first time, identifying over 10,000 new sites.
They found that the sites were much more prevalent than previously suspected and were systematic, rather than random, occurring near genetic landmarks.
- Loss of key protein contributes to neuron loss in ALS - Mar 05, 2011
- Scientists get glimpse of how 'code' of life may have emerged - Mar 24, 2011
- Scientists discover way to block neurodegeneration in adult form of Fragile X syndrome - Dec 14, 2010
- Micro-RNA that regulates insulin in obesity identified - Apr 01, 2011
- MicroRNAs could increase amputation risk in diabetics - Jan 13, 2011
- How does the body heal itself? - Feb 27, 2010
- How body repairs itself when organs become diseased - Feb 27, 2010
- How DNA silencing can promote cancer formation - Apr 02, 2011
- Supercomputer simulations offer insights into the origin of life - Oct 05, 2010
- 'Low oxygen levels drive cancer growth' - May 06, 2012
- This is it - women's immunity gene! - Sep 28, 2011
- SMART biochip can speedily detect flu virus - Jun 11, 2012
- Interfering genes protect monkeys from lethal Ebola virus post-exposure - May 30, 2010
- Histone 'map' yields key insights into fat cell formation - Oct 01, 2010
- New personalized therapy to 'fool cancer cells into killing themselves' - Mar 01, 2011
Tags: acts, cancer detection, cancer researchers, dna, enzymes, genetic information, hotspots, john curtin school, john curtin school of medical research, landmarks, mapping technique, mapping tool, nucleic acids research, preiss, proteins, rna, sign posts, stem cell biology, sydney