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The identification of the genetic basis of cancer — the roles of oncogenes and defective tumor-suppressor genes that drive unrestricted cell growth — understandably has resulted in therapies that target these genes. Imatinib (Gleevec) is one example, yet few true breakthroughs have occurred.
Two international teams report a novel approach. Rapidly dividing tumor cells synthesize large amounts of DNA and RNA and ramp up production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS damage nucleic acids directly and also damage the free bases that are incorporated into nucleic acids as they are being synthesized. The investigators discovered a protein called MTH1 that protects against oxidative damage of the free bases, thereby reducing the amount of defect…