Breakthrough research answers mysteries behind vital cancer-suppressing p53 gene

The p53 protein acts a little like a checkpoint guard in the process of cell division. Its job is to pause the process of cell division if it identifies DNA damage or mutation. When a mutation is too significant to repair, p53 can signal a process called apoptosis, triggering cell death before the mutations can replicate. If the p53 gene is not working properly then damaged cells can replicate, causing cancerous tissue to grow and multiply.

Now, in world-first research, a team of researchers at the University of Melbourne has uncovered a group of genes that is crucial to p53 effectively functioning in its cancer-preventing role. This group of genes is implicated in a DNA repair process, with one gene in particular, MLH1, found to be absolutely critical to p53 working properly.

This research will not only help identify certain patients who are at a higher risk of developing specific cancers, but also directs researchers on a new path toward targeted and safer treatments.

https://newatlas.com/tumor-suppressing-gene-p53-mechanism-discovered/55015/

CSIRO scientists uncover a 500-million-year-old gene in the human genome that could lead to new treatments for cancer, influenza and autoimmune diseases. CSIRO scientists uncover a 500-million-year-o... and autoimmune diseases.

Routine DNA tests will put NHS at the 'forefront of medicine'

From 1 October new cancer patients will have tumors screened for key mutations

People in England will have access to DNA tests on an unprecedented scale from the autumn when the NHS becomes the first health service in the world to routinely offer genomic medicine.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/jul/...eening?CMP=share-btn_link

Precision medicine clinical trial releases new findings
NCI-MATCH data strengthen path forward for targeted cancer therapies
Date:
June 4, 2018
Source:
NIH/National Cancer Institute
Summary:
The largest precision medicine trial of its kind has achieved a milestone with the release of results from several treatment sub-studies of the trial. The new results offer findings of interest for future cancer research that could ultimately play a role in bringing targeted treatments to patients with certain gene abnormalities, regardless of their cancer type.
Read more here

FDA Issues Set of Gene Therapy Draft Guidances

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued six draft guidance documents, part of an ongoing effort to provide a regulatory framework for the emerging area of gene therapy.

https://globalgenes.org/raredaily/fda-issues-...-therapy-draft-guidances/