科学家们发现并确定一种新的不寻常的肿瘤抑制基因,这对于治疗肺癌和头颈癌非常重要。研究结果提示恢复不活跃的基因作用可减缓肿瘤细胞的生长。此种基因被称作TCF21,它可依靠DNA甲基化的化学变化来使肿瘤细胞生长静止,该过程具有逆转性。研究人员认为该研究结果可为肺癌的早期诊断和治疗提供希望。同时,研究人员对导致肺癌进展时的肿瘤细胞分子学变化机制的认识得以进一步深入。肿瘤抑制基因是专门阻止细胞无序生长的基因。肿瘤抑制基因静止或丢失一个甚至多个将可被认为是癌细胞发展的重要组成 Scientists have discovered and identified a new, unusual tumor suppressor gene that is important for the treatment of lung cancer and head and neck cancer. The results suggest that restoring inactive genes may slow the growth of tumor cells. Known as TCF21, this gene relies on chemical changes in DNA methylation to bring tumor cells to rest and the process is reversible. Researchers believe the findings provide hope for the early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. In the meantime, the researchers further deepen their understanding of the molecular mechanisms of tumor cells that cause lung cancer to progress. Tumor suppressor genes are genes that specifically prevent the disorderly growth of cells. One or more of the tumor suppressor genes that are at rest or lost will be considered as important components of cancer cell development