Artificial DNA: A New Weapon Against Cancer

The DNA activates a natural immune response to target and kill specific cancerous cells

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have created a pair of chemically synthesized DNA, shaped like hairpins, that effectively target and destroy human cervical and breast cancer cells, and malignant melanoma cells from mice. 

The DNA pairs called oHPs for oncolytic hairpin pairs, were triggered to form longer DNA when they encountered a short (micro) RNA overexpressed in some cancers. 

The tests were effective against overexpressed protein found in human cervical cancer-derived cells, human triple-negative breast cancer-derived cells, and mouse malignant melanoma-derived cells. 

To read more about this breakthrough check out the story here.