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Study Reveals Inocles in Saliva Linked to Immune Health

10/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers at the University of Tokyo report large DNA pieces, called inocles, in the human oral microbiome, with about 74% of participants testing positive in saliva.
The study, published in Nature Communications, identifies inocles as giant extrachromosomal elements that may influence immune system function.
Participants with head and neck or colorectal cancer showed lower inocles levels, as researchers planned to cultivate inocles in the lab to study their health roles.

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Story summary

Researchers at the University of Tokyo report large DNA pieces, called inocles, in the human oral microbiome, with about 74% of participants testing positive in saliva.
The study, published in Nature Communications, identifies inocles as giant extrachromosomal elements that may influence immune system function.
Participants with head and neck or colorectal cancer showed lower inocles levels, as researchers planned to cultivate inocles in the lab to study their health roles.