Molecules discovery could strike at the heart of cancer, say scientists

The unusual molecules appear to play an important role in cell division. They are most common in rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. Targeting them could provide a way to halt the runaway cell proliferation at the root of cancer, experts believe.

The discovery marks the 60th anniversary of the historic description of the double helix structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick. It was made by Cambridge University scientists following in the footsteps of their illustrious predecessors, whose paper was published in 1953.

In most cases, DNA consists of two strands of linked molecular building blocks called nucleotides entwined around each other.

The new research shows that four-stranded “quadruplexes” can also be found within the human genetic code, or genome.

They form in regions of DNA rich in the nucleotide building block guanine. Previous studies had shown quadruplex DNA can form in the laboratory under artificial conditions. Now, for the first time, scientists have confirmed that they occur naturally in human cells.

The research, published in the journal Nature Chemistry, shows clear links between the molecules and the process of cell division.

Binding up and containing the quadruplex DNA with synthetic molecules may provide a way of striking at the heart of cancer, say the scientists.