The genetics of regeneration

In a study funded in part by Harvard University researchers uncover the genetic “switches” responsible for whole body regeneration. Many animals are capable of regenerating lost limbs or even half of their bodies. Researchers look to their genetic code for answers on what genes are responsible for granting these animals this amazing ability. By studying the three-banded panther worm they have come to discover that a piece of non-coding DNA controls the activation of a “master control gene” called early growth response or EGR for short. This EGR acts as a sort of control panel switching other genes on or off. The researchers had to assemble the worm’s genome sequence in order to understand exactly what was taking place and how. They were able to decrease the activity of the EGR gene and discovered that without it, regeneration simply does not occur. Humans also possess this gene however it seems to be wired differently in us than it is in other species unfortunately for us. The researchers hope to discover whether the genes activated during regeneration are the same ones activated in development or if a whole different process is taking place on a genetic level. This discovery opens huge doors into the future of genetics. Perhaps one day we will be capable of activating regeneration in humans who have lost or deformed limbs. Instead of needing an organ transplant people could simply regenerate damaged organs. Regeneration may just be the future of medical science.

Genetic "Switches" Linked to Breast Cancer in the Brain

 

        A genetic switch is a chemical mark that turn genes on or off. Researchers from the University of Wolverhampton discovered several genes with defective switches that are linked to breast cancer's spread to the brain. The researchers conducted their study by examining twenty-four breast cancers that had spread to the brain and samples from the original breast tumor. By comparing DNA methylation of the original breast cancer and the later developed brain tumor, the researchers narrowed down the 120 potential chemical switch candidates and dub a "signature" for the cancers that had spread. 

        The researchers were also able to find an early warning signal for tumors that may spread to the brain. Two genetic switches were found to be defective in the early development of the original breast cancer and these chemical marks are allowing scientist to develop a blood test that may detect these warnings before the disease spreads. 

        Dr. Mark Morris, author of the study and reader in Molecular Oncology at University of Wolverhampton, says "Each year the number of women whose breast cancer spreads to the brain is increasing. While we know many of the genetic changes behind breast cancer, we know very little about why the disease can spread to the brain. By identifying the genes that are switched off or on in breast cancer before they spread to the brain, we hope to be able to develop a blood test to spot this change.There's also potential for our findings to be used a starting point to develop treatmnets that might prevent the spread."

        In the UK, 50,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer a year, while 11,600 die from the disease. Up to 30% of breast cancer will spread to the brain, often after the first tumor was already treated. Most women only survive up to seven months after the brain metastases has been diagnosed.

        I think what these researchers are doing is interesting. This is a very unique way of attempting to solve the problem of breast cancer spreading to the brain. Before this article, I did not even though that brain cancer in the brain was common. I believe the genetic switches of many different types of cancer should be studied, especially the more common ones. Genes seem to be very important in the development and spread of cancer. Finding unique ways to analyze cancerous genes will one day lead us to answers of the mysteries of cancer.

Main Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141104194623.htm

Related Article: http://www.itv.com/news/central/2014-11-05/bbb/