L-R: Microscopic images showing bright red spots on a cell, indicating an increase in detrimental RNA:DNA Hybrids. Second image shows cells with high DNA damage forming a ‘comet’ shape, where the distinct tail contains fragmented DNA.
University of Adelaide researchers now know more about a mysterious gene’s role in maintaining healthy DNA – a crucial development that could lead to new treatments for life-threatening illnesses including neurodevelopmental disorders, some types of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
THOC2 is an essential gene for the development and function of brain cells but not much is known about the exact role it plays in normal brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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