Protein – Lead Role in Genetic Changes Causing Lung Cancer

The production of FANCD2, a protein, is reduced when lung cells are exposed to cigarette smoke. This protein plays a pivotal role in the genetic changes that lead to lung cancer. Researchers of Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute highlighted in their findings about the important role played by the protein in relation to cigarette smoke.

It was observed that cigarette smoke checked the growth of FANCD2, which generally prevents cancer by “fixing damages” in the DNA and also resulting in the committing of suicide of faulty cells. The protein is essential in the protection against cancer and cigarette smoke curtails its production. Cells with high levels of FANCD2 were toxic resistant to cigarette smoke.

This finding will help scientists in the future treatment of lung disease. Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer in the world.

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