NDC80 - Protein Cowboy Lassoes Chromosomes And May Soon Rescue Chemotherapy
A protein that is indispensable for passing on an accurate copy of the genome from mother to daughter cells can be compared to a cowboy’s lasso, say scientists at the The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation (IFOM). It 'catches' chromosomes and ties them to a transitory structure assembled during cell division. Once they have been neatly tied up, the chromosomes await the end of replication to be equally distributed between the two daughter cells. But if the lasso doesn’t catch them, chromosomes end up being randomly scattered, with potentially disastrous genetic effects: should cells survive this, they receive the wrong genetic inheritance, with dire consequences. This study opens up new avenues of research to reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer. read more
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