Researchers from Sciome, in collaboration with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), have achieved a major breakthrough in understanding how early genetic mutations can lead to liver cancer. Using an innovative approach known as whole exome sequencing (WES), the research team examined genetic changes in liver tissues from rats exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a powerful liver carcinogen linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
The researchers developed and applied a cutting-edge rat-specific WES panel, analyzing DNA from archival liver samples at multiple exposure points—14 days, 90 days, and after an additional 60-day recovery period. They discovered 172 genetic variations, including numerous mutations with the potential to disrupt gene function, highlighting critical early changes in the progression toward cancer.
By integrating their sequencing findings with gene expression data, the collaborative team identified significant disruptions in key biological pathways known for roles in cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation, cell death, and DNA damage repair—processes crucial for cancer development. Remarkably, their analysis pinpointed specific mutations in genes Mcm8, Bdp1, and Cct6a as likely drivers of cancerous transformation, offering valuable insights into the early events of cancer development.
This pioneering work by Sciome and NIEHS not only sheds new light on the genetic mechanisms underlying aflatoxin-induced liver cancer but also provides a powerful foundation for future research aimed at early cancer detection and prevention strategies.
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