Study finds cancer-fighting gene to prevent birth defects

Apr 10, 2019

New Delhi, Apr 11 (ANI): A new research has revealed how p53 gene plays a pivotal role in healthy neural tube development. The p53 is a tumour subdue famous throughout scientific literature and history for its role in protecting humans from cancer. The neural tube is a vital element required for the proper formation of the brain and spinal cord. The study was published in the journal 'Cell Reports.' The findings explain p53's involvement in a molecular process specific to females called 'X chromosome inactivation'. The new findings helped to clarify why more females are born with neural tube birth defects such as Spina Bifida than males. One of the researchers said that the study showed how p53 influenced the function of genes required for fostering the production of healthy neural tube cells in the female embryo. Another researcher states that the study confirmed a long-standing theory that females had an additional risk factor for neural tube defects and that a breakdown in the associated X chromosome inactivation process could help to explain why females were more likely than males to have neural tube-related birth defects.