GENES : May Help Fight Cancer

Pause button in genes

may help fight cancer

Washington: All mammalian genes apparently have a layer of control that acts just like the pause button on your DVR, according to new evidence in embryonic stem cells.

           The researchers have said that the results show that the pausing phenomenon, previously thought to be a peculiarity of particular genes, is actually a much more general feature of the genome.

            "We're coming to the realization that we've been missing out on an entire second step in the control of gene expression. there's tremendous excitement and some healthy debate too," said Richanrde young of the Whitehead Institute and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

             The researchers have shown that the infamous cancer gene known as c-Myc plays a major role in the pause release of many genes throughout the genome. Thus, their findings may have practical application in the treatment of some of the nastiest cancers.