Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have made new discoveries about the genes that are responsible for controlling the growth of cells. They previously believed that a group of “master” genes was responsible, but the latest studies have found hundreds of genes interacting. Their next step is to find weak spots which would result in halting tumour growth. The scientists believe that variations in the networking of the genes explain why people can develop diseases in different ways. They hope that by examining the gene structure and identifying the ‘weak spots’, tumours will be made unable to growth, and hence enabling the growth of healthy cells. The leader of the study, Professor David Hume, said that ‘this study has effectively shown us where the brakes are which could slow down or stop diseases like cancer and multiple sclerosis’, and he believes that this could lead to treatments and cures for many diseases of the immune system.
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By Greta Devane
