What's Happening?
An international research team has identified ANKLE1, a human protein, as the first DNA-cutting enzyme in mammals capable of detecting and responding to physical tension in DNA. This discovery, published
in Nature Communications, reveals that ANKLE1 plays a crucial role in maintaining genetic integrity during cell division by resolving chromatin bridges—threads of genetic material that can cause severe genetic errors if broken improperly. The research was conducted by a collaboration between the University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, and other institutions. ANKLE1 acts as a tension-sensitive nuclease, cutting DNA only when it is under mechanical stress, thus preventing random breaks that could lead to cancer and other diseases.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of ANKLE1's function as a tension-sensitive DNA cutter is significant for understanding how cells maintain genome stability under stress. This mechanism could be crucial in preventing genetic errors that lead to cancer and immune disorders. The study suggests that targeting ANKLE1 might make cancer cells more vulnerable to treatments, offering a potential new therapeutic strategy. This research enhances the understanding of cellular responses to mechanical stress, which is vital for developing new cancer therapies and improving genome maintenance.
