Large sections of our DNA that were previously thought to be harmless and inert, could in fact be interrupting DNA replication and causing cell mutations that lead to cancer, a new study by the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) has claimed.
At least half of the genetic code that makes up a strand of our DNA is thought to be "junk" genetic material that does not hold useful information. This useless DNA was shown to get in the way and disrupt the genetic copying that occurs when our cells multiply, potentially causing mutations and eventually cancer.
Though issues with replicating DNA have previously been put forward as the cause of mutation, how this happens was previously unknown. Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of the ICR, said understanding this mechanism opens the door to a new range of cancer treatments.
