New Biology Discovery Combines DNA and RNA To Fight Cancer

 

This discovery, published in the journal Cell, challenges the traditional view of DNA and RNA as separate entities. It reveals that they work together in a complementary way to regulate genes, which are the instructions for building and operating our bodies.

Here's how it works:

 * DNA and RNA epigenetics: These are mechanisms that control gene activity without altering the underlying DNA or RNA sequences. Think of them as "switches" that turn genes on or off.

       

 * Complementary regulation: The research found that DNA and RNA epigenetics work together like a tag team. When both types of "switches" are present on a gene, it leads to more effective activation of that gene.

 * Importance in development: This combined regulation is crucial for processes like cell development and specialization, ensuring that the right genes are turned on at the right time.

Implications for Cancer Treatment

This discovery could lead to new cancer treatments by developing "epigenetic drugs" that target both DNA and RNA simultaneously. These drugs could potentially restore balance to diseased cells in cancer patients.

         

Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics

 * Focus: Investigates the epigenetic mechanisms involved in health and disease, with a special interest in DNA and histone modifications.

 * Expertise: The lab is deeply involved in developing new epigenomic technologies to study these modifications on a genome-wide scale.

 * Cutting-edge research: They utilize advanced technologies like ChIP-Seq, RNA-Seq, and Infinium Methylation to explore the complex world of epigenetics.

           

Why this matters

The fact that this research was led by such a distinguished scientist and his dedicated team at a renowned institution gives it significant credibility. It underscores the importance of their work in advancing our understanding of gene regulation and its potential for revolutionizing cancer treatment.

Additional Information

The research was led by François Fuks at the Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, ULB Faculty of Medicine, ULB-Cancer Research Center, and Jules Bordet Institute, H.U.B.