Researchers identify protein disruption linked to cancer development

Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill have identified a crucial process in animals that, when disrupted, can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, a hallmark of cancer. This discovery focuses on a chemical change in the histone H3 protein, which regulates gene expression. The study, led by Daniel McKay's lab, highlights how mutations in proteins that manage gene regulation can cause cells to proliferate uncontrollably or evade death. This research used fruit flies to explore the role of histones in gene activation. The findings emphasize the importance of precise gene regulation in maintaining cell identity and function. Misregulation can lead to diseases, including cancer, by altering how cells develop and operate.