A new discovery paves the way for future anti-cancer therapies. The protein DDX3Xknown as the custodian of DNAplays a crucial role in keeping the genome stable by removing strands of RNA in excess which may compromise the integrity of the DNA. This protein is particularly interesting for cancer research, as it has been found altered in many types of tumors. The discovery comes from‘Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza’ Institute of Molecular Genetics of the CNR of Pavia, with a study published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research.
How does the DDX3X protein work?
The DDX3X acts on hybrid structures made up of RNA and DNA, called R-loopswhich are important for the regulation of gene expression. However, when present in excess, these R-loops can cause genomic instability and promote the development of tumor mutations. The DDX3X protein has the ability to remove the RNA strand and restore genomic balance, thus protecting the cell from potential damage.
A step forward in the fight against cancer
Second Giovanni Magadirector of the Department of Biomedical Sciences of the CNR, this discovery represents an important step forward in understanding the cellular mechanisms that protect the genome. DDX3X binds to particular enzymes, such asRNaseH2which degrade RNA and reconstitute the normal structure of DNA. The discovery of its role in regulating the R-loops it could lead to the development of new targeted therapies to treat tumors in which this protein is altered.
The protein DDX3Xin addition to protecting DNA, also performs important functions in gene transcription and in the immune responsemaking it a key target for oncology research. Scientists hope that further studies of this protein could lead to new personalized therapies that harness its potential to fight tumors.
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