The dystrophin gene may have a role in cancer, British researchers have reported.
The gene, the largest known, is linked to Duchenne muscular dystrophy – and the researchers say the latest findings highlight its complexity.
Scientists, led by the University of Portsmouth, UK, found that expression of the gene was reduced in 80% of the tumours they studied.
The findings come from analysis of a wide range of malignant tissues, including those from gastrointestinal, breast and ovarian cancer.
The findings have been published in *Cancers*.
Senior author, Professor Darek Gorecki from the School of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences at the University of Portsmouth, said: “The findings that the DMD gene has a role in tumours, expands the growing evidence of its significance beyond Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
“Further investigation is needed to better understand the role of DMD in malignancies and how it may be exploited in monitoring cancer progression and treatment.”
He added: “The job of DMD, the largest human gene known, is far more complex than previously believed. It must be better understood if we want to find effective treatments for pathologies caused by its mutations.”
Downregulation of Dystrophin Expression Occurs across Diverse Tumors, Correlates with the Age of Onset, Staging and Reduced Survival of Patients. *Cancers* 21 February 2023
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