Loss of the Y chromosome may be linked to cancer development

Researchers at the Cancer Study Center in Cedars-Sinai, USA, found a potential link Relationship between Y chromosome decay and bladder cancer development in biological males. The study was published in the journal Nature.

Until now we thought of Y as someone who can describe the biological sex of humans and other animals. People with male biological sex have an XY pair and female biological sex is XX. However, it may have another immune-related function with a protective factor against an aggressive type of bladder cancer.

Recent research shows that the Y chromosome decreases over the years. Because many cells in the male organism stop offering it as the body ages.

Analyzing the consequences of this disappearance, the scientists observed that men with muscle-invasive bladder cancer had lower cell counts with Y. pylori.

To arrive at this conclusion, scientists conducted a survey of participants in cancer therapy based on immune inhibitors (checkpoint inhibitorsEnglish), cells in a laboratory setting and mice.

Cancer cells use certain mechanisms that prevent the immune system from attacking them and slowing their growth. In this specific type of cancer, the researchers used an immune therapy that prevents the depletion of T cells.

And here comes the possible role of Y. During their analysis, the researchers observed that cells without chromosomes had fewer immune cells, which promoted the development of cancer..

According to the researchers, the loss of chromosomes in cells may be linked to the development of an immunological deficiency, and it was possible to observe this association in laboratory tests.

Also, in the clinical trial, patients with a high Y-number responded better to treatment than those without or a low Y-number. For the group, this new evidence is essential to thinking about treatments to prevent cancer and improve the immune response of people with a Y chromosome.

However, it is not complete proof. The researchers explain that there is still a long way to go in understanding the precise role of the chromosome in male immunology and whether there is indeed a link between chromosomal loss and the development of cancer.