Scientists discover the enzyme that lets cancer rapidly rewire its DNA

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Source: ScienceDaily Health

Original: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260215225546.htm...

Published: Mon, 16 Feb 2026 01:00:42 EST

Scientists have discovered the N4BP2 enzyme that allows cancer to rapidly link its DNA through chromotripsy. Chromotripsy is a chaotic chromosome breakage event that occurs in about one in four cancers. The N4BP2 enzyme breaks down DNA trapped in small cellular structures. This releases a burst of genetic changes that help tumors quickly adapt and resist treatment. Blocking the enzyme dramatically reduced genomic destruction in cancer cells. Chromotripsy thus makes tumors more aggressive and resistant to therapy.[1]