Gray people, rejoice! Gray may be associated with natural cancer protection

While gray hair may feel like one of the most unpleasant signs of aging, new research reveals that it may actually be the result of a natural process that protects against cancer risk.

In a study led by the University of Tokyo and published earlier this month in the journal Nature Cell Biology, it shows that a type of stem stress is responsible for DNA damage and a type of skin cancer called melanoma.

DNA damage, aging and cancer

Our body cells are constantly exposed to internal and environmental agents that can cause DNA damage, which plays a role in aging and cancer. Scientists have wrestled with the details of this role, especially how damaged good cells affect long-term tissue health.

Stem cells are cells that can adapt (make themselves) and differentiate (turn into other cells). Within this context, the group is specifically analyzing melanocyte stem cells (MCSCs) -Cells that produce mature melanocytes, cells that produce pigments that give color to hair and skin. In mammals, MCSCS reside in the hair follicles in the form of ilmiature melanoblasts (melanocytes’ grades), where they promote pigmentation.

The researchers found that, in response to DNA Double-Strand Breaks, MCSCSs are permanently separated and lose their gray matter – a process called ndo fragmentation. However, when MCSCs are exposed to other carcinogens, they retain their ability to self-renew and proliferate. Simply put, they avoid Seno’s breakdown even when the DNA is damaged, suppressing MCSCs “according to a Tokyo statement from the university.

“These findings reveal that the same amount of stem cells can follow tolerance or expansion – depending on the type of stress and microenvironmental symptoms,” Emi Nishimura, lead author of the study from the University of Tokyo, said in a statement. “It refers to gray hair and melanoma as random events, but as distinct outcomes of stress responses.”

Two possibilities exist

In other words, both results may reveal how MCSCs respond to DNA damage, where they can go in one of two ways – divide and leave the system (which leads to undifferentiation, where the persistence of MCSCS damage can eventually lead to a tumor.

While the researchers emphasize that their study does not show that gray hair prevents cancer, it suggests that isolating Seno would be a protective mechanism caused by the stress that makes cells possible.

“The tracking of MCSCs in mice revealed that MCSCs are differentiated by combined cellular differentiation (SENO differentiation) in response to DNA Dreak Breaks, which leads to their graying and hair protection,” the researchers explained in melanoma.

So the next time you or an older family member complains about their gray hair – remember that it can be a cancer-preventing factor.