Wednesday, October 21, 2020

DNA Mistakes May Lead to Cancer

 

We all know how our DNA base pairs should always be A to T and C to G but sometimes nucleotides will pair with the incorrect partner, creating a mismatch. These mismatches were found to have stronger interactions with transcription factors than correctly matched pairs. This is due to “lazy” transcription factors. Rather than doing its work to distort the binding site and using a ton of energy, it would rather bind to the already distorted DNA so the transcription factor protein uses less energy. If these mismatched nucleotides that are strongly bonded to the transcription factor proteins make it through the DNA replication cycle without being interrupted by the repair enzyme, it may become a mutation. And genetic diseases, such as cancer, are caused by mutations. 

It is crazy to think that something as big as cancer can be caused by what seems to be such a small mistake. One DNA base pair mismatch seems like such a tiny issue in the big scheme of things yet it creates such life changing outcomes. I think that this finding is very important but I think it will be difficult to find a way to prevent or fix this mistake.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201021112356.htm

https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/dna-replication-and-causes-of-mutation-409/

1 comment:

  1. This is very interesting. So many genetic diseases can be fixed if these "lazy" transcription factors start putting in more energy. I am sure theres a way scientists can fix by somehow inserting a molecule to help boost the energy. If not, theres room for improvement and maybe a cure for cancer will be on its way.

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