SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS RESEARCH
Although it is beneficial that more information is being discovered about genetic data and mutations, not every mutation influences tumor behavior. Many are what has been coined "passenger mutations." To decipher the passenger and driver mutations, a "polling" strategy is applied. The more common mutations are believed to be the more significant. Mohammed AlQuraishi, lead author of the paper, was able to create detailed schematics of the impact of certain mutations on complex cellular protein networks.Contrary to initial expectations, AlQuraishi found that both rare and common mutations equally impact protein networks that determine the health of a cell. "Both mutations are equally strong" he stated " In both cases, about one percent of of the rare mutations alter the tumor networks we study." AlQuraishi suggests that more focus needs to be on rare genetic mutations based on his findings. In addition, he found that subtle changes occur to impact these protein complexes and alter the communication pathways. The challenge of the use of this methodology is its reproducibility. By encouraging other laboratories to conduct similar research based on similar principles, the reliability of the findings can be increased.
I believe the information provided in this article is very crucial. In a previous article I wrote about, many people began questioning the helpfulness of uncovering more genetic mutations because of the lack of comprehensible information. The researchers in this article provides a method to combat this issue and potentially decrease the gap in knowledge about these genetic mutations. More needs to be uncovered abou this data before it can significantly impact cancer risks and other health implications.
Article: http://medicalxpress.com/print334147987.html
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