This DNA repair gene went rogue and exposed a cancer weakness
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that excessive levels of the EXO1 gene can destabilize DNA and contribute to various cancers. This finding suggests that EXO1 could serve as a biomarker to help identify patients who might benefit from targeted therapies typically used for BRCA-mutant cancers.
Why it matters
Identifying new biomarkers for cancer allows for more personalized treatment plans and expands the use of existing effective drugs to a broader patient population.
Tumor suppressor genes are often viewed as the body's built-in defense system against cancer. They produce proteins that help maintain and repair DNA, reducing the chances that harmful mutations will accumulate. When these genes stop working properly or are present at low levels, cancer risk can rise.
The article reports on scientific research findings in a neutral, objective manner.
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