NORAD Gene Could Aid Cancer Research | The Institute for Creation Research

NORAD Gene Could Aid Cancer Research

Non-coding does not mean non-functioning. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a linear, single-stranded polymer (large molecule) that contains D-ribose nucleotides that are copied from a DNA template—RNA genes function in the genome. These include a huge diversity of short and long RNAs. Some code for proteins while many others are used in a wide variety of cellular processes.

Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center discovered a gene called NORAD that, unlike protein-coding genes, makes a long functional RNA that works directly in the cell's nucleus.1 NORAD helps preserve the correct number of chromosomes in cells (e.g. 46 for humans). Conversely, the cellular chromosome number becomes unbalanced when the NORAD goes awry, a common trait in cancerous cells.

Because DNA damage activates the expression of important RNA genes, molecular biologists have called this gene Non-coding RNA Activated by DNA Damage, or NORAD. When it's absent or inactive, cells commonly experience the gain or loss of entire chromosomes—definitely a problem for human health. Continued research seems to make a strong connection between NORAD and cancerous tumors.

This amazing NORAD gene generates an extended non-coding RNA sequence, long deemed insignificant in the genome—until now. Medical investigator Dr. Joshua Mendell said, "This is an entirely new function for a non-coding RNA and may have implications in cancer biology since genomic instability is a hallmark of tumor cells."2 Evidently, maintaining the normal chromosome number in a cell is the critical function the NORAD RNA provides.

And it appears there are more than twice as many long non-coding RNA genes in the genome than there are protein genes. And many of these are proving to be key players in regulating overall gene expression and function in the genome.

More and more cell biologists are beginning to realize that non-coding regions of DNA and RNA do not automatically mean these sequences have no purpose. Like "junk DNA" passed off by evolutionists as useless but later found to be functional,3,4,5 creation scientists see the Creator's Hand in non-coding RNA sequences produced by NORAD.

References

  1. UT Southwestern Scientists Discover a New Role for RNA in Safeguarding Chromosome Number in Human Cells, with Implications for Cancer Biology. newswise. Posted on newswise.com December 23, 2015, accessed January 4, 2016. 
  2. Tomkins, J. 2015. Extreme Information: Biocomplexity of Interlocking Genome Languages. Creation Research Society Quarterly Journal. 51 (3): 187-201.
  3. Tomkins, J. 2012. Junk DNA Myth Continues Its Demise. Acts & Facts. 41 (11): 11-13.
  4. Jeanson, N. 2013. Does "Junk DNA" Exist? Acts & Facts. 42 (4): 20.
  5. Tomkins, J. ENCODE Reveals Incredible Genome Complexity and Function. Creation Science Update. Posted on icr.org September 24, 2012, accessed January 4, 2016.

*Mr. Sherwin is Research Associate, Senior Lecturer, and Science Writer at the Institute for Creation Research.

Article posted on January 14, 2016.

The Latest
CREATION.LIVE PODCAST
Searching for Truth Across the Globe | Creation.Live Podcast:...
How can we bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth of creation to others outside our small spheres of influence?   Host...

NEWS
Marine Mammals: Designed for Deep Diving
While you’re reading this, hold your breath. What is now happening is your blood is delivering the last of oxygenated blood cells to your tissues...

CREATION PODCAST
Humanity's Demise at the Hands of Genetic Entropy | The Creation...
Welcome to the fourth episode in a series called “The Failures of Old Earth Creationism.” Many Christians attempt to fit old earth...

NEWS
''Inside-Out'' Fossil is Amazingly Preserved
It is widely known that vast numbers of fossils—vertebrate and invertebrate—have been discovered incredibly well-preserved.1,2...

NEWS
The Resurrection and the Origin of Life
At Easter time we focus on the cardinal Christian doctrine of the Resurrection. Without the Resurrection, Christianity is a sham. The truth that Jesus...

NEWS
Is an Ancient Extinct Tree-Dweller Our Relative?
Human evolution has always been hazy with seemingly as many attempted explanations for how we evolved from animals as there are paleoanthropologists. Evolutionists...

NEWS
The Return of the Dire Wolf?
There’s been much recent excitement about the birth of three dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus) puppies by a Dallas-based biotech company: Colossal Bioscience....

CREATION PODCAST
Cracks in the Layers: Lake Suigetsu and the Old Earth Illusion...
Welcome to the third episode in a series called “The Failures of Old Earth Creationism.” Many Christians attempt to fit old earth...

NEWS
Fish Fossil Vomit
A rather unsavory news story recently appeared regarding fossilized vomit. Although it’s hardly dinner table conversation, it nonetheless supports...

NEWS
Dino Footprints Down Under
Dinosaur trackways1 are once again making the news. Australia is the setting of a remarkable series of dinosaur tracks attributed to ornithischian...