Fertility proteins flip from reproductive role to support survival and growth of cancer cells

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered that SYCP1, a protein previously thought to function only during the production of sperm and eggs, can be reactivated in cancer cells, where it helps tumors survive and grow.

The study, published in Science Advances, reveals that SYCP1 switches from its normal reproductive role to an entirely different function in cancer.

Instead of helping chromosomes pair during meiosis, the protein enters the nucleus of cancer cells, binds directly to DNA and controls genes involved in cell division and DNA repair. ...