Researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, have pinpointed a gene that helps control aging, acting like a cell's "internal clock," according to a new study.
"[Scientists] found a genetic variant that influences the ageing process among four new variants they linked to myeloma, one of the most common types of blood cancer," the Institute said in a news release.
The findings were published in the journal Nature Genetics on Aug. 18:
One genetic marker found by the researchers is linked to a gene called TERC, which regulates the length of the telomere 'caps' on the ends of DNA. In healthy cells, these caps erode over time -- causing tissues to age -- but some cancer cells seem able to ignore the ageing trigger in order to keep on dividing. If further studies confirm the link, TERC could be a target for future myeloma treatments.
The team found the new markers by comparing the genetic make-up of a total of 4,692 myeloma patients with DNA from 10,990 people without the disease. A previous UK study led by the team, from The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and funded by Myeloma UK, found three genetic variants, or 'spelling mistakes' in DNA, which lead to increased risk of developing myeloma.
Scientist also found four new genetic variants are close to genes which are "likely to play important roles in causing myeloma," according to the news release.
Study co-leader Professor Richard Houlston, Professor of Molecular and Population Genetics at The Institute of Cancer Research, said:
"Our study has taken an important step forward in understanding the genetics of myeloma, and suggested an intriguing potential link with a gene that acts as a cell's internal timer...We know cancer often seems to ignore the usual controls over ageing and cell death, and it will be fascinating to explore whether in blood cancers that is a result of a direct genetic link. Eventually, understanding the complex genetics of blood cancers should allow us to assess a person's risk or identify new avenues for treatment."
