New pathway for DNA transfer discovered in tumor microenvironment

University of Notre Dame researchers have found a way for tumors to transfer genetic material to other cells.

The Morris Pollard Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, Crislyn D.Souza-Schorey, discovered that DNA is transported in small informational sacs called extracellular microves. Her lab has been studying the sharing of information between cells.

D'Souza-Schorey said that they have shown that the DNA in these microvesicles is related to the spread of cancer.

Cancer cells are often filled with the same type of DNA found in the fluid outside of the nucleus. Recent evidence suggests that chromosomal instability is a primary source of cytosolic DNA in tumors.

The research team used a male cancer patient's cell model to show how Y-chromosomal DNA is present in the cytosol and transferred to a female mammary epithelial cell line.

James Clancy, research assistant professor of biological sciences, is the first author on the paper.

The researchers showed that the cytosolic DNA is moved to microvesicles along with the cGAS, which was discovered in part because of its role during the immune response to infections. A new study shows how the DNA is modified to aid in the progression of tumors.

The work published in Nature Cell Biology described how microRNA is moved to microvesicles just beginning to form at the cell periphery. These vesicles are taken up by other cells. Microvesicles can be found in fluids like blood and urine and can be used as a marker for cancer.

Clancy said that the researchers were interested in the DNA content as it is the actual part of a person's genome, including any tumors associated with it. It was difficult to prove that the DNA has moved.

Early detection of different types of tumors may be possible because of the lab's continued research.

Other people who worked on the study include D.Souza-Schorey and Clancy, as well as Colin Sheehan and Alex C. Boomgarden. The University of Chicago is where he is going to finish his degree. The National Cancer Institute supported the study.

More information: James W. Clancy et al, Recruitment of DNA to tumor-derived microvesicles, Cell Reports (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110443 Journal information: Cell Reports , Nature Cell Biology Citation: New pathway for DNA transfer discovered in tumor microenvironment (2022, March 25) retrieved 26 March 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2022-03-pathway-dna-tumor-microenvironment.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.