'Junk' DNA's role in activating cancer cells discovered

Experts from Leeds University, working with colleagues in Berlin, have uncovered a process enabling "junk" DNA accumulated over millions of years in humans to promote the growth of cancer cells.

Their work focused on Hodgkin's lymphoma, which affects about 1,300 new patients each year in the UK, but they believe it could also play a role in other forms of cancer as well.

The researchers examined long terminal repeats, a form of junk genetic material which has built up in the human genome.

Although they originate from viruses and are potentially harmful, they are usually inactive when embryos are developing in the womb.

If the process does not work and they are activated, rogue repeats can activate cancer genes. The study was published yesterday in the journal Nature Medicine.