Central OC Times

A research team at the University of California, Irvine has discovered a new mechanism that triggers an inflammatory immune response in cells with damaged DNA. This finding could lead to more effective cancer treatments by enhancing the understanding of cell signaling processes.

The study, published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, shows that UV irradiation or certain chemotherapeutic drugs activate a specific response when cells are too damaged to be repaired correctly. "This discovery could have significant implications for cancer treatment," said Rémi Buisson, UC Irvine associate professor of biological chemistry. He emphasized that understanding how different cancer cells react to DNA damage could result in more tailored therapies.

The research highlights the role of enzymes and proteins such as ATM, NF-κB, IRAK1, and IL-1α in cellular responses to DNA damage. The team developed an advanced imaging technique to analyze NF-κB regulation at the cellular level. They found that after certain types of injury, cells release IL-1α protein which activates neighboring cells' IRAK1 protein, initiating an inflammatory response.

"Our findings will help us better understand the consequences of certain types of chemotherapeutic drugs," Buisson stated. He suggested that assessing protein levels ahead of time might allow doctors to personalize therapies for improved success rates.

The researchers plan further studies using mouse models lacking specific factors involved in this newly identified pathway. Other contributors from UC Irvine's School of Medicine include Professor Ivan Marazzi and Associate Professor Selma Masri among others.

Funding for this work came from various sources including the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. The study is part of UC Irvine’s ongoing efforts under its Brilliant Future campaign aimed at raising awareness and support for its initiatives.

For more information about UC Irvine and its programs, visit their official website.