BUFFALO, N.Y., Sept. 24 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have discovered a DNA sequence involved in controlling the timing of DNA replication that may be connected with cancer formation.
Scientists at Roswell Park Cancer Institute said the discovery could lead to improved methods for cancer detection.
Before a cell can divide, it must duplicate its DNA. Duplication, which occurs during a period called the S phase of the cell cycle, is initiated by many replication components in the DNA molecule. These components activate at specific times throughout S phase, causing each segment of the genome to replicate at a precise time.
"Interestingly," the scientists said, "in many cancer cells, the normal order of DNA replication is altered: regions that should replicate late sometimes replicate early and vice versa."
As a result, they said, tests for DNA replication timing eventually could become a reliable method to detect cancer early.
