The Link Between Y Chromosome Loss and Cancer Risk in Men.

Losing the Y chromosome could have drastic health consequences, as it plays a role in the body's anti-tumor adaptive immunity. A new study using mice found that cancerous bladder cells without a Y chromosome are better prepared to evade the immune system, potentially explaining why men are statistically more prone to cancer. The study also identified two specific genes, KDM5D and UTY, responsible for the added protection. The findings could help medical specialists determine the aggression of bladder cancers and develop new treatments.