Prior studies dealt with genes known as c-Myc and HIF-1, which promote blood vessel development and have strong links to cancer. Their central focus was an enzyme known as SerRS (seryl-tRNA synthetase), most commonly known to exist in the gel-like substance within cells. In the study, the researchers found that SerRS can be “silenced” by proteins known as ATM/ATR, which manage DNA damage responses. When this happens, new blood vessel growth can go unchecked and tumors can flourish. “It’s possible that SerRS regulates more than blood vessel development,” Yang says.

Source: Hindustan Times December 26, 2020 14:52 UTC