DNA Damage News and Research

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UMass Amherst study aims to develop new test for BRCA-positive lactating moms

Breastfeeding women with a pathogenic BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation face a significant risk, even at a young age, of breast and ovarian cancer.

6 Feb 2020

First comprehensive survey of viruses found within different cancers

Researchers from the University of East Anglia have helped to carry out the first comprehensive survey of viruses found within different types of cancer.

5 Feb 2020

Age-linked cognitive decline could be slowed by immune activation

A new study published in February 2020 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM), reports that activating a specific type of immune cell found in the brain could delay reduced cognition often found in older people, and even prevent neurologic degeneration of age.

5 Feb 2020

Increased brain growth, mutations and autism linked in new study

Salk Institute researchers have now found a pattern of DNA damage that is unique to brain cells derived from individuals with a single form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) called macrocephalic ASD. The study, published in the journal Cell Stem Cell in January 2020, may offer an explanation about the developmental misstep that caused this disease.

30 Jan 2020

Jumping genes play surprising role in stabilizing DNA folding patterns

"Jumping genes" -- bits of DNA that can move from one spot in the genome to another -- are well-known for increasing genetic diversity over the long course of evolution.

24 Jan 2020

Iron overload, variant gene and malaria resistance linked in African study

A new study shows that a rare genetic mutation giving rise to a variant of the TP53 gene called P47S causes several linked biological processes.

24 Jan 2020

Pilot study highlights the effect of chemotherapy on male fertility

A pilot study conducted by INRS researchers highlights the effect of chemotherapy on male fertility before and after puberty.

22 Jan 2020

"Jumping genes" within eggs determine their survival

Females are born with a finite supply of eggs and with age the genetic quality of the eggs decline say researchers from Carnegie Institute. The study from researchers Marla Tharp, Safia Malki, and Alex Bortvin was published in the latest issue of Nature Communications. The study was titled, “Maximizing the ovarian reserve in mice by evading LINE-1 genotoxicity.”

16 Jan 2020

Research shows how the body tries to eliminate egg cells of poorest quality

A woman's supply of eggs is finite, so it is crucial that the quality of their genetic material is ensured. New work from Carnegie's Marla Tharp, Safia Malki, and Alex Bortvin elucidates a mechanism by which, even before birth, the body tries to eliminate egg cells of the poorest quality.

16 Jan 2020

The circadian clock is key to reducing radiation‐induced cardiotoxicity

Treatment for breast cancer commonly includes radiation therapy, which offers good chances of success but comes with a serious long-term side effect: toxicity due to radiation that reaches the heart, causing DNA damage in healthy heart cells. Over time, this can lead to heart disease and eventually heart failure.

13 Jan 2020

Common genetic defect in prostate cancer associated with worse prognosis

Like security screening to make sure nothing harmful makes its way into a crowded area, cells in the human body use checkpoints to control their growth and prevent harmful mutations from making their way into new cell populations and causing trouble.

9 Jan 2020

Study finds no significant link between using talc and ovarian cancer risk

Largest reported investigation to date shows no significant association between talcum powder and increased ovarian cancer risk.

8 Jan 2020

Data results of NCI-MATCH trial in tumors with DNA mismatch repair deficiencies

Final results are published from an evaluation of 42 patients treated with the immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab in the large multi-arm precision medicine trial, NCI-Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice (NCI-MATCH or EAY131).

20 Dec 2019

Scientists create new classification system for tumors

Based on the largest study of cancer patients of its kind, scientists have created a new way of classifying tumors.

19 Dec 2019

Extrachromosomal circular DNA can contribute to cancer development in children

Cancer development is associated with the gradual accumulation of DNA defects over time. Thus, cancer is considered an age-related disease.

17 Dec 2019

Light to moderate lifetime alcohol use raises cancer risk

There have been conflicting reports on health benefits and harm caused by drinking alcohol. A new study from Japanese researchers has proven that taking one drink a day for a decade or two drinks for five years can raise the risk of getting cancers by 5 percent. The study titled “Light to moderate amount of lifetime alcohol consumption and risk of cancer in Japan,” was published in the latest issue of the journal Cancer.

11 Dec 2019

Researchers aim to exploit DNA mutations in the treatment of blood and bone marrow cancers

In a clinical trial led by Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital, researchers aim to exploit DNA mutations in the treatment of two blood and bone marrow cancers, a different tacit than the more traditional approach of blunting or switching off genetic mutations linked to cancer.

10 Dec 2019

Researchers confirm two new prognostic markers for triple negative breast cancer

Physicians who treat patients with triple negative breast cancer have two new ways to predict which patients may benefit most from the well-established post-surgery treatment known as AC chemotherapy, short for adjuvant doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide.

5 Dec 2019

Scientists identify how damaged DNA molecules are repaired inside the human genome

A team of scientists has identified how damaged DNA molecules are repaired inside the human genome, a discovery that offers new insights into how the body works to ensure its health and how it responds to diseases that stem from impaired DNA.

5 Dec 2019

Unexpected versatility of an ancient DNA repair factor revealed

If a bone breaks or a tendon snaps, you know to seek treatment immediately. But your most fragile and precious cellular commodity, chromosomal DNA, breaks with astounding frequency- some estimate as many as 10,000 times a day per cell- usually without consequence.

2 Dec 2019