Scientists at the Harvard Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory (HSCRB) have studied the mechanism of melanoma formation based on the mutation of a specific protein.
The journal Science points out that the researchers found in the course of the study that the CDK13 protein is a determinant of skin tumors, and the mutation that occurs in it can lead to the development of cancer.
After analyzing data from skin cancer patients and a model study of the dayo fish, the team understood the causes of the disorders.
Cells are known to make mistakes in gene expression. For example, cells can produce short RNA, which then produces an abnormal protein that leads to cancer. Cells also have self-protection mechanisms that allow them to get rid of these errors. But when cells can’t get rid of waste, RNA builds up and can lead to cancer. The team found that the reason the cells couldn’t get rid of waste was a CDK13 mutation.
Researchers have found these mutations in several types of cancer in humans, zebrafish and mice, as well as in cell cultures. When the abnormal protein was injected into melanoma tissue, its growth and development was accelerated.
This discovery points to the importance of proper RNA regulation.
Source: Linta. EN
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