2024-04-25 11:00:07
A team of French researchers, led by the Institute of Human Genetics at the University of Montpellier, has just made a major discovery in the field of cancer.
Their study, published in the journal Nature, shows that cancer can occur without requiring a genetic mutation. This fundamental question opens new therapeutic avenues and emphasizes the importance of epigenetics in the genesis of this devastating disease.
Image by illustration Pixabay
Until now, the scientific community has considered genetic mutations as key elements in the development of cancer. However, recent work suggests that epigenetic changes, which regulate gene expression without changing the sequence, may play a primary role. In particular, epigenetics, a set of mechanisms that modulate gene activity, explains why individuals with an identical genome can develop very different cells, such as neurons or skin cells.
The study focused on fruit flies, organisms often used in genetics. By inducing epigenetic disruption in these insects and then restoring the normal state of the cells, the researchers observed that part of the genome remained dysfunctional, initiating a persistent tumor state. This phenomenon, maintained independently, shows that genetic mutations are not decisive for the appearance of cancer.
This discovery also sheds light on the potential role of environmental factors, such as chemical pollutants, in the development of cancer. Substances such as bisphenol A, PFAS found in plastics, or even arsenic can disrupt epigenetic mechanisms and promote the occurrence of tumors.
By better understanding the epigenetic mechanisms that underlie the formation of cancer, researchers hope to open new therapeutic avenues. In fact, by specifically targeting these processes, it may be possible to prevent or treat cancer more effectively, by acting directly on its origin.
This study challenges the dogmas that have been established for decades regarding genetic mutations as the main cause of cancer. It highlights the continued importance of research in epigenetics and its implications for the understanding and treatment of this complex disease.
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