DNA, part of the nets
2006/04/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria
DNA is known as a repository of genetic information. This is not the only function of DNA, as it also participates in the immune system. Recently researchers are taking steps to understand this participation.
In 2004, researchers from the Max Planck Institute published a paper in the journal Science. The article explained that neutrophils used a previously unknown mechanism to protect the body from pathogenic microorganisms. Neutrophils are specialized cells of the immune system and the researchers showed that they are able to launch networks to catch the aggressors. These networks are made up of DNA and proteins.
Last year, researchers at the University of Minnesota found that in fertilization neutrophils use their DNA to capture sperm microorganisms. It also captures sperm, but these contain an enzyme that destroys DNA and thus is released from the network. Some cases of infertility are due to excess DNA.
Researchers still have many outstanding questions. Among other things, they want to know how it comes out of the core and whether it is related to autoimmune diseases.
