Discover How Giant DNA Loops in Your Mouth Could Help Protect You from Cancer!

Giant loops of DNA found in bacteria in our mouths, called “Inocles,” could be beneficial for our oral health and immune systems. These unique rings of nucleic acid may help lower the risk of certain cancers.

Researchers from the University of Tokyo discovered Inocles, which act like extra tools for bacteria, specifically the Streptococcus bacteria, helping them thrive in the complex environment of our mouths. Yuya Kiguchi, a microbiologist at the university, noted, “We know there are various bacteria in the oral microbiome, but many of their roles are still a mystery.”

Inocles are a type of plasmid, which are genetic elements outside the main DNA structure of many microbes. The study examined saliva samples from 56 volunteers and tested 476 additional samples, revealing that about 75% of people might carry these DNA elements.

Interestingly, researchers had difficulty spotting Inocles earlier because of their large size. Traditional DNA sequencing techniques break DNA into smaller pieces, making it hard to reconstruct larger sequences. To overcome this, they developed a special system called preNuc, which streamlines the process by removing human DNA and focusing on bacterial DNA.

Inocles average about 350 kilobase pairs, making them some of the largest extrachromosomal genetic elements found in humans. Their length allows them to carry a variety of genes, including those that help the bacteria resist damage and adapt to stress.

Notably, people with head and neck cancer showed a significant decrease in Inocles, suggesting a possible protective effect against cancer. Researchers are still exploring whether these elements play a role in cancer protection or if other factors influence their presence.

The next steps include investigating how the genes in Inocles function, whether they can transfer between individuals, and their potential effects on oral health. Kiguchi likened the discovery to finding a book with extra footnotes, indicating there is still much to learn.

This research highlights the importance of studying our oral microbiome and its hidden complexities. You can read more about it in the study published in Nature Communications here.

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