Single‐molecule methods, activation‐induced cytidine deaminase, and quantum mechanical approach to explore and prevent carcinogenesis

Abstract

Abstract Recent advancements in single‐molecule methods have not only made it possible to obtain precise measurements for complex biological processes but also to produce simple mathematical models for intricate biochemical mechanisms, which would otherwise be speculative. These developments have strengthened our ability to respond through mathematical modeling to concepts of protein‒protein and protein‒DNA interactions on a nanometer level and address‐related questions. In this article, we examine an intriguing biological phenomenon in which a protein and an enzyme co‐jointly encounter carcinogenic adducts during transcription. We are focusing mainly on the dysregulation of the protein involved and the possible consequences that may arise. By providing a quantum mechanical model, we have demonstrated that the presence of carcinogenic adducts in a transcriptional bubble deregulates the protein that could cause lethal mutations. Next, we present a case study to explore carcinogenesis by suggesting an alternative experimental design. Our quantum mechanical model emphasizes the use of a quantized energies approach for specific mechanisms within the living cells. Radiation‐induced carcinogenicity can be prevented if radiation interacting with tissue is not given the energies that satisfy the quantization conditions.

Keywords

• activation‐induced cytidine deaminase
• carcinogens
• quantum mechanical modeling
• radiation‐induced cancer
• single‐molecule methods
• developments