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A recent study published in revealed that cats may play a relevant role in cancer research. The investigation shows that genetic mutations associated with the disease in felines are very similar to those observed in humans, which reinforces the potential of these animals as models for comparative studies.
According to researchers, feline oncogenes — mutated genes that can cause or drive the development of cancer — present characteristics close to those of the human oncogenome. The discovery expands the understanding of disease progression and may contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches.
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One of the main similarities identified involves the TP53 gene, known to regulate cell growth and prevent tumors. The study indicates that mutations in this gene were found in 33% of cancers analyzed in cats and in 34% of human tumors evaluated, a rate considered significant by scientists.
According to research co-author Latasha Ludwig, from Cornell Universitythe results reinforce that cats are not just pets, but also important allies in understanding and fighting cancer.
The researchers highlight that the close coexistence between humans and cats can even favor the early identification of similar clinical patterns, strengthening the so-called comparative medicine — an area that studies diseases in different species to expand scientific knowledge and improve treatments.
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