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The researchers, led by Professor Stefan Gasser (Stephan Gasser) from the National University of Singapore have discovered how the immune system can recognize cancer cells, and why often the body’s defense system be unable to completely destroy the cancer. A study published in the journal Immunity. Press release available on the website EurekAlert!
Scientists have discovered that the key component in ensuring the response of the immune system, the enzyme was MUS81. This protein, which belongs to endonucleases, provides cutting of the DNA in the cell nucleus. In cancer cells the DNA fragments do not break up into separate nucleotides, and transported into the cytoplasm. Being in the wrong place cells, pieces of DNA include an immune response.
Cut DNA triggers the secretion of interferon, which activates immune system cells — macrophages and T-cells that attack cancer cells and destroy them. Scientists were able to block the gene responsible for the synthesis of MUS81, with the result that the DNA was not cut and did not activate the immune response. It is proved that the endonuclease plays an important role in the struggle of the body against malignant tumors. In the case that MUS81 in cancer cells cease to synthesize in sufficient quantities, the body can no longer cope with the disease themselves.
The researchers also found that MUS81 is synthesized in cells of various tumors, including prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, uterine cancer, leukemia, and melanoma. Moreover, it was found that certain types of chemotherapy contribute to the activation of genes responsible for the formation of MUS81, which may cause a more powerful immune response. According to scientists, the use of these methods in combination with immunotherapy may allow more effective treatment of cancer.
One of the most important functions of MUS81 also is to ensure that crossing-over or exchange of stretches of DNA between paired chromosomes during meiosis.
