Human Cells Can Pass DNA to Each Other Through Tiny Tubes — Here's How It May Fuel Cancer Growth
A recent study has discovered that human cells can transfer DNA to each other through tiny tubes, a process previously unseen in human cells. This horizontal gene transfer may play a significant role in genomic instability and cancer development. Researchers are now investigating the implications of this mechanism for human health and disease.
- ▪Human cells can link up to transfer DNA through nanotubes during genomic instability.
- ▪The transferred DNA can remain functional and influence the recipient cells' traits.
- ▪This discovery may change our understanding of how cancer cells can spread harmful genetic material to non-cancerous cells.
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When cells in our body are going through a rough patch due to radiation or botched attempts to divide, they sometimes link up with other cells to safely hand over their DNA. This process of DNA transfer — supported by tiny tubes that form between two cells, passing DNA from one to the other — has been observed for the first time in human cells, and this discovery may very well change how we think about our cells. A new study published in Cell found that human cells are capable of responding to genomic instability by relocating pieces of DNA to other nearby cells. When this happens, two cells connect by way of nanotubes that act like chutes, delivering DNA that remains active.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Discover Magazine.
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