children. The findings highlight the critical need for further research in this area, as current treatment options are not effective against these highly aggressive tumors. The study was conducted by researchers at Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital.children. More research is urgently needed in this area as current treatment options are not effective against these highly aggressive tumors.
Most tumors develop slowly as harmful mutations build up in the DNA of cells over time. However, AT/RT tumors are a rare exception, as the inactivation of a single gene can lead to this highly aggressive form of brain cancer.
AT/RT tumors are rare embryonic tumors of the central nervous system that mainly affect infants and young children. On average, 73 people are diagnosed with AT/RT in the USA each year. However, AT/RT is the most common type of central nervous system tumor in children.A type of brain tumor known as AT/RT is frequently found in children under one year old, making up 40-50% of diagnoses in this age group. Unfortunately, the prognosis for AT/RT patients is not optimistic, with a median survival of only 11-24 months after surgery.
A recent study conducted by Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital investigated how abnormal DNA methylation affects the development of cells and contributes to the formation of AT/RT. DNA methylation is a process in which methyl groups are added to the DNA strand. It is one of the mechanisms that cells use to regulate gene expression, and the patterns of methylation change during development.Normal brain development.
The recent research revealed that DNA methylation hinders the function of numerous regulators that typically control the growth and maturity of cells in the central nervous system during the development of the brain. When cell differentiation is disrupted, it leads to the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells that ultimately form a tumor.
The research also identified several genes that control cell differentiation or prevent tumor formation, and these genes are turned off in AT/RT along with an increase in DNA methylation. These discoveries will help us gain a more thorough understanding of the irregularities in epigenetics.The study focused on understanding the mechanisms involved in the development of AT/RT and identifying the genes responsible for its progression. According to Docent Kirsi Rautajoki from Tampere University, the findings will provide valuable insights into the development and malignancy of AT/RTs, potentially leading to the discovery of new treatments for this aggressive brain tumor. The research at Tampere University involved collaboration between the groups led by Kirsi Rautajoki and Professor Matti Nykter, as well as key partners from Tampere University Hospital, including pediatrician LM Kristiina Nordfors.neurosurgeon and Docent Joonas Haapasalo and neuropathologist and Docent Hannu Haapasalo.
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