Editor CRISPR genome has been repeatedly proved its effectiveness. And he managed to do it again. Recently a group of researchers from San Francisco were able to identify the sequence of genetic changes that turn the benign nevus into a malignant and extremely dangerous melanoma.
The survey showed what changes occur in human skin and revealed the key molecular characteristics that can be used by doctors to identify cancer at a very early stage of development.
Editor CRISPR genome systematically monitor how new mutations and changes in gene activity can destroy the cell’s protection mechanisms that ultimately leads to the fact that healthy cells are transformed into melanoma. Moreover, “to observe molecules” is not necessary: scientists have identified a number of biomarkers, which are easily monitored in clinical practice.
In the study, a team of scientists sequenced the tumor DNA to identify gene mutations that occur at different stages of cancer development. In addition, they studied the changes in RNA for detection of gene activity.
“This is the first study that examined both DNA and RNA. We found that the progression of tumors, multiple independent gene mutations repeatedly adjust the Central molecular pathways controlling cell growth, suppression of tumors and the regulation of DNA until, until you have accumulated a critical number of mutations in order to destroy the natural protective mechanisms of cells and cause cancer.”
It was also found that the consistently developing mutations in the class of regulators of DNA SWI/SNF act as a major step in transforming cells into a malignant tumor. Scientists suggest that this marker can be used for clinical detection of cancer at that stage, while a skin cell has not yet degenerated into a malignant melanoma cell.
Editor of genome CRISPR managed to recreate the stage of development of melanoma
Vladimir Kuznetsov