The researchers, Prof. Bat Sheva Kerem and research student Assaf Bester, showed that at an early stage of the development of cancerous tumors, cells suffer from a lack of building blocks needed for proper DNA replication. This deficiency causes DNA breakage and allows the continued development of cancer.
Most cancerous tumors are characterized by the accumulation of DNA damage caused in the early stages of cancer development due to interference with DNA replication in the cell. However, until now the molecular basis for the occurrence of this phenomenon remains a mystery to scientists. Now, researchers from the Hebrew University have found for the first time the reason for DNA breakage in cancer cells.
In a study published last weekend in the prestigious journal Cell, the researchers, Prof. Bat Sheva Kerem and research student Assaf Bester, both from the Silverman Institute of Life Sciences at the Hebrew University, showed that at an early stage of the development of cancerous tumors, cells suffer from a lack of building blocks necessary for normal multiplication of DNA. This deficiency causes DNA breakage and allows the continued development of cancer.
The researchers found that the abnormal growth of cells, which characterizes many types of cancer, results in a lack of the building blocks of DNA that are necessary to support the normal replication of DNA. By testing cancer cells in laboratory cultures, the researchers proved for the first time that it is possible to reduce the damage to the DNA and thus reduce the potential for the development of cancerous characteristics in the cell through an external supply of building blocks.
The researchers hope that this discovery will help in the development of a new type of treatment or drug that will lead to a reduction in the fragility of DNA and provide early protection against the development of cancer.
For details: For details: Orit Soliciano, spokeswoman for the Hebrew University, 02-5882811, 054-8820016
Livy Oz, spokeswoman for the Hebrew University, 02-5882875, 054-8820582
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Well done to Buster