Clues to Cell Suicide Could Boost Cancer Research: Scientists learn that a key protein helps nudge damaged cells toward death

Source: HealthDay News
Posted: July 7, 2006

Summary:

Scientists have discovered that a protein which usually repairs severed DNA molecules can also join forces with another protein to destroy DNA in damaged cells, triggering cell death. It is thought the discovery could provide new strategies the fight against cancer.

Commentary: Maybe this new understanding about the process of cell death will provide scientists not only with new ideas for developing cancer treatments, but other diseases where cell death occurs such as Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease), and diabetes.