An innovative study of DNA ’s hidden structures may open up new approaches for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases, including cancer.

Researchers at the Garvan Institute have unveiled the first comprehensive map of over 50,000 i-motifs in the human genome, structures distinct from the classic double helix that may play crucial roles in gene regulation and disease. These findings highlight the potential of i-motifs in developing new therapies, particularly in targeting genes associated with cancers.

Unraveling the Mysteries of DNA i-Motifs.

Researchers have mapped 50,000 of DNA’s mysterious “knots” in the human genome. The innovative study of DNA’s hidden structures may open up new approaches for treatment and diagnosis of diseases, including cancer.

Scientists are working on a “breakthrough” cancer vaccine after discovering how the body’s immune system targets cells devastated by the disease.

A study led by researchers from the University of Southampton found the body’s natural “killer” cells – from the immune system which protects against disease and infections – instinctively recognise and attack a protein that drives cancer growth.

The scientists believe that by using this protein – known as XPO1 – they may be able to activate more killer cells to destroy the disease, paving the way for new and less invasive forms of cancer treatment.

“DNA, RNA and proteins are the key players to regulate all processes in the cells of our body,” Leiden Professor John van Noort explains. “To understand the (mis-)functioning of these molecules, it is essential to uncover how their 3D structure depends on their sequence and for this it is necessary to measure them one molecule at a time. However, single-molecule measurements are laborious and slow, and the number of possible sequence variations is massive.”

Now the team of scientists developed an innovative tool, called SPARXS (Single-molecule Parallel Analysis for Rapid eXploration of Sequence space), that allows for studying millions of DNA molecules simultaneously.

“Traditional techniques that allow one sequence to be probed at a time usually take hours of measurement time per sequence. With SPARXS, we can measure millions of molecules within a day to a week. Without SPARXS, such a measurement would take several years to decades,” says Delft Professor Chirlmin Joo.

Researchers are developing an innovative device designed to deliver chemotherapy directly to the surgical site, aiming to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer recurrence.