Scientists discover the enzyme that lets cancer rapidly rewire its DNA
Science Daily
February 16, 2026
Researchers have uncovered the enzyme behind chromothripsis, a chaotic chromosome-shattering event seen in about one in four cancers. The enzyme, N4BP2, breaks apart DNA trapped in tiny cellular structures, unleashing a burst of genetic changes that can help tumors rapidly adapt and resist therapy. Blocking the enzyme dramatically reduced this genomic destruction in cancer cells.
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Originally published on Science Daily on 2/16/2026