The relationship between DNA packaging proteins and tumor development was found

Scientists from the University of Otago have discovered a three-dimensional structure of two proteins that provide an answer to why some people develop certain specific cancers.
a new study published in Nature Communications, a team led by Dr. Peter Mace of the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Otago revealed the three-dimensional structure of the proteins that control DNA packaging in the human body, BAP1 and ASXL1. DNA is usually wrapped in proteins and packaged into efficient storage to control which genes are active. Many proteins help with this packaging process, and once one of these proteins is disturbed, it is possible to produce tumors.
Mace says mutations in these proteins are visible in many tumors, such as melanoma, mesothelioma, kidney cancer and leukemia. BAP1 mutations are particularly common in mesothelioma, which is rare in the population and is caused by exposure to asbestos and is very difficult to treat. These new structures will help us understand how the two proteins work together to remove DNA packaging markers from normal cells and how their function in tumors is disrupted.
" next work will help us understand the changes in these networks as tumors develop. Dr. Mace said. This is the first time the structure of these proteins has been captured. The researchers revealed the structure of the same proteins in fruit flies, which are similar to similar proteins in the human body, but have a slightly simpler structure. "This is the best model we have available to study how human protein works." Dr. Mace explains. "The next step is to fully reveal the structure of the human protein." (Bio Valley)