Loss of function in particular genes of the sex-determining Y chromosome, which is present only in men, may cause them to have an increased risk for cancer, reveals a new study. The findings of the study are published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Using data from 9,000 individuals, the researchers studied the Y-chromosome gene function in patients with various types of cancer.
‘Cancer risk raises with loss of function of six essential Y-chromosome genes in various types of cells. ’
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"Recent studies have shown that complete loss of the Y chromosome, which is essential to fetal sex differentiation, occurs, with aging, in the cells of some men," said study author Juan Ramon Gonzalez from Barcelona Institute for Global Health in Spain. "Although the loss of the Y chromosome has previously been associated with a higher incidence of cancer, the causes of this association are poorly understood," Gonzalez added.
These six Y-chromosome genes are involved in cell-cycle regulation, the failure of which can lead to tumor development.
According to the study, understanding the biological differences between men and women in cancer is crucial for the development of personalized lines of treatment and prevention.
"Men are not only at higher risk of cancer than women, but they also face a worse prognosis. In fact, these differences partially account for the lower life expectancy of men," Gonzalez added.
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"In fact, it seems that one of these factors can be found in the Y chromosome, the very essence of maleness," said study lead author Alejandro Caceres.
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"Certain environmental exposures, for example, to tobacco or other harmful substances, could affect chromosome function and lead to epigenetic modifications," Gonzalez said.
Source-IANS