This could be a breakthrough for colon cancer prevention.
Researchers at the Australian National University have learned how to use medicine to activate a cancer-blocking protein that can clear harmed DNA from the body “like a light switch.”
“In its activated state, the protein acts like a surveillance system, detecting signs of damaged DNA in our cells,” researcher Dr. Abhimanu Pandey said of protein Ku70. He added that “damaged DNA” is a typically early warning sign that cells can become cancerous. Ku70 has the potential to reverse or at least halt the damage.
“Our research shows that Ku70 can ‘cool off’ cancer cells and mop up damaged DNA. The protein prevents the cancer cells from becoming more aggressive and spreading throughout the body, essentially deactivating them and keeping them in a dormant state.”