Scientists Identify Enzyme Behind Cancerous DNA Rewiring

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have identified the enzyme N4BP2 as the culprit behind chromothripsis, a chaotic chromosome shattering event in cancer cells. Chromothripsis facilitates rapid cancer evolution, leading to treatment resistance. It was found that N4BP2 cuts DNA within micronuclei, small compartments where chromosomes are trapped during cell division. By removing N4BP2, the researchers observed a significant reduction in DNA fragmentation. This discovery opens new avenues for cancer treatment strategies, especially for aggressive tumors linked with high chromothripsis and extrachromosomal DNA levels.