The remains of ancient DNA cause an immune response

2002/12/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Genetika

A team of researchers at Osaka University in Japan has found that the remains of DNA left after cell death cause an immune response.

Death or apoptosis of cells is fundamental in the development of organisms. As new cells are created, old and defective cells die and surrounding cells capture the debris from the dead cell. In fact, cellular waste is digested in organelles called lysosomes, as well as ancient DNA. To digest this DNA there are specific enzymes, and researchers have used fruit flies that do not contain this type of enzymes to see what happens when traces of DNA remain. And they have shown that an immune response occurs.

Because the apoptosis process has remained in evolution, results are considered to be similar in mammals. According to researchers, if DNA digestion in humans is not done correctly, there is a risk of septic shock.