Smoking-Induced DNA Mutations: A Gateway to Cancer Development
A study by the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research reveals how smoking triggers cancer development. The research found that smoking initiates “stop-gain” mutations in the DNA, leading to the inhibition of protective proteins that regulate cell growth. This disruption allows abnormal cells to proliferate unchecked, potentially promoting cancer onset. The study also demonstrated a strong correlation between smoking duration, intensity, and mutation occurrence. These findings improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying smoking-induced cancer.