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Circulating nucleic acids: a new class of physiological mobile genetic elements.
1Translational Research Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi-Mumbai, India.
F1000Research
|December 15, 2015
Summary
A new class of mobile genetic elements, circulating nucleic acids (CNAs), are proposed to cause DNA damage within the body. This damage may underlie aging and age-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mobile genetic elements significantly influence genome evolution.
- Cellular death continuously releases nucleic acids into the body.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a new class of mobile genetic elements: circulating nucleic acids (CNAs).
- To investigate the potential role of CNAs in intra-corporeal DNA damage and aging.
Main Methods:
- The study proposes a novel concept based on existing biological knowledge.
- It hypothesizes the mechanism of CNA entry into cells and genomic integration.
Main Results:
- Circulating nucleic acids (CNAs) can enter healthy cells and integrate into their genomes.
- CNA-induced DNA damage is proposed as a potential cause of aging and organismal demise.
Conclusions:
- CNAs represent a novel class of mobile genetic elements acting within the organism.
- CNA-induced DNA damage may be a fundamental mechanism driving aging and age-related decline.
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