Science
Mysterious RNA Discovery Reveals a Hidden Layer of Cancer Biology
A mysterious RNA molecule found in breast cancer tissue has led researchers to uncover approximately 260,000 cancer-specific small RNAs across 32 tumor types. These orphan non-coding RNAs act as molecular barcodes for cancer identity and could transform how doctors detect and monitor the disease.
Key Takeaways
- Scientists discovered approximately 260,000 cancer-specific small RNAs across 32 tumor types, forming unique molecular barcodes
- Machine learning models classified cancer types from RNA signatures with over 90 percent accuracy
- About 5 percent of tested oncRNAs actively drive cancer progression, including metastasis
- Roughly 30 percent of oncRNAs are secreted into the bloodstream, enabling potential liquid biopsy detection
- Patients with high residual oncRNA levels after chemotherapy had nearly four-fold worse survival outcomes
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