Research into RNA-DNA ‘R-loops’ could shed light on cancer formation

Accumulation of unusual RNA-DNA hybrids, known as R-loops, are often associated with cancers. Xiaoyu Xue, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Texas State University, is heading a research study examining the role of the human motor protein Aquarius (AQR) in resolving R-loops to gain insight into possible avenues of cancer prevention.