Chromosome Y loss in aging makes cancer more aggressive

Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana

Elhuyar Zientzia

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Ed cancer cells. Rawpixel/Public ownership

As they age, in humans, some cells lose the Y chromosome, which is biologically male. As a result of this loss, painful cells are able to avoid the body's immune system and can grow easily. This is a study published in the journal Nature.

In research, they have investigated men with bladder cancer and found that the loss of chromosome Y causes the appearance of aggressive cancer. However, the disease responds better to immunotherapy treatment, known as immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Apparently, the loss of the Y chromosome by the cells causes T lymphocytes to run out and cannot cope with cancer cells. Treatment of control immunity point inhibitors regenerates T lymphocytes. However, researchers recognize that the genetic relationship between Y chromosome loss and T lymphocyte depletion has not yet been clarified.

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