Scientists discover hundreds of new genes that may trigger cancer
BARCELONA, Spain — In a groundbreaking study that could reshape our understanding of cancer, scientists have uncovered a treasure trove of potential new targets for cancer treatment. This discovery may end up doubling the number of genes doctors can focus on in the fight against this devastating disease.
Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Spain identified a staggering 813 genes that could be helping cancer cells grow and spread. However, these genes aren’t doing it through mutations, which is what we usually think of when we talk about cancer-causing genes.
Instead, these sneaky genes are using a different trick called “splicing” to help cancer thrive. It’s like they’ve found a backdoor way to cause trouble, and scientists are now hot on their trail.
Splicing is a normal process that happens in our cells all the time. Think of it like editing a movie. When cells make proteins (the workhorses of our body), they first make a rough draft from our DNA. Then, they use splicing to cut out the unnecessary bits (called introns) and stick together the important parts (called exons).
