What is "junk" DNA? – Current, July 2024
According to recent research from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, genes that cause cancer may be found in non-coding areas of DNA. This disproves the notion that these areas were merely "junk." This significant advancement provides fresh possibilities for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Importance of Non-Coding DNA
Our genome is composed of around 98% non-coding DNA. The term "junk DNA" was originally applied to it due to its lack of protein coding. The study demonstrated the potential significance of these locations and was reported in Nucleic Acids Research. Researchers discovered alterations in these regions that may contribute to the initiation and metastasis of at least twelve distinct cancer forms, including colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer.
CTCF Binding Sites' Function
The majority of the study focused on the regions of DNA that CTCF can bind to. These regions are critical for folding DNA into precise three-dimensional structures that regulate gene function. These "anchors" of the genome are called these sites, and if they are altered, it may lead to aberrant gene expression and the development of cancer. Using CTCF-INSITE, a potent artificial intelligence tool, the researchers examined over 3,000 tumor samples. They discovered that the CTCF binding sites in many cancer types were consistently altered.
Consequences for Global Cancer Treatment
Given that these alterations are present in every kind of cancer, it is possible that these alterations could serve as a novel target for cancer therapies. The development of multi-type cancer therapy could result from this discovery. This is a significant departure from the present approach of customizing therapies for each mutation.
Future Paths for Research
By modifying genes using CRISVC, the Garvan Institute hopes to expand on our understanding of how these anchor mutations alter the structure of the genome and promote the spread of cancer. These research' findings may be useful in identifying genes or pathways that serve as novel targets for therapy or as markers for early detection. This work also demonstrates the value of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical research by providing instruments to identify significant patterns in vast amounts of data. The research not only advances our understanding of the genetic origins of cancer but also opens up new avenues for its diagnosis and treatment.