Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
28 February 2013 10:15
The 'pseudogene' contains similar DNA material to the proten PTEN
Scientists have discovered the presence of a 'pseudogene' that is linked to the development of cancers. The research, published in the journal Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, has identified a pseudogene that could be a contributing factor to the onset of brain, prostate, womb, lung and breast cancers. Researchers believe that the pseudogene regulates a well known 'oncogene', which is connected to the advancement of the illness. They hope that by targeting the pseudogene they may be able to alter the effects that it has on the oncogene stemming the cause of cancer.
The pseudogene, which was thought to have no specific function, contains a similar DNA make-up to that of the protein PTEN, which normally acts as a cancer suppressor. A defective PTEN gene can allow tumours to grow and spread, which scientists think could have something to do with the pseudogene. While the pseudogene cannot produce proteins of its own, it produces small strands of genetic material called micro-RNAs, which have the ability to control genes. Scientists hope to neutralise the effect that the micro-RNAs have over the PTEN gene, which can knock the gene out completely or change the levels of protein which it produces.
Although cancer can be a debilitating illness, many patients are still able to enjoy a relatively active lifestyle that includes international travel. Specialist cancer travel insurance is available to protect against any sudden problems which occur during a trip.
22 September 2017
A new computer code that can be applied to GP surgery data could be the answer to identifying those most at risk of developing bowel cancer.
[more...]
21 September 2017
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning over a growing resistance to antibiotics.
20 September 2017
Thousands of Ryanair flights have been cancelled over the next six weeks, as the airline says it "messed up" allocation of its pilots' annual leave.
19 September 2017
Manchester's Girlguides are being urged to help the elderly with a new badge incentivising youngsters to tackle senior loneliness.
16 September 2017
Holidaymakers are being evacuated as winds up to 200km per hour hit Central Vietnam, with Typhoon Doksuri damaging houses, roads and infrastructure.
15 September 2017
People in parts of East Anglia are eight times more likely to survive liver disease than Blackpool residents, according to new data by Public Health England (PHE).
14 September 2017
A non-invasive alternative to gastric bypass surgery that helps people with Type 2 diabetes lose weight is being recommended for widespread use by NHS experts.
13 September 2017
Almost half of UK adults travelling to areas at risk of malaria are not covering themselves by taking medication, despite recommendations made by the NHS and world health organisations.
12 September 2017
A new health warning has been issued by scientists in Sweden, suggesting e-cigarettes with nicotine could lead to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
09 September 2017
Researchers have developed a futuristic pen-like device that can tell whether someone has cancer much faster than current technology.
08 September 2017
A staffing crisis in the NHS is seeing cancer patients turned away from their GP surgery and instead visiting A&E, a report has claimed.
07 September 2017
Whether it's binge-watching box-sets, shopping for clothes, chatting to friends or picking up work emails, staying connected is pretty much essential to everyday life.