Biochemist unlocks gene鈥檚 role in breast-tumour growth
'An interesting step along a long path of research,' 69热视频 scientist says
New research led by 69热视频 Biochemist Dr. William Muller helps explain why breast-milk cells lose their structure, causing them to clump up in strange ways (see photos) and sometimes become cancer tumors. With the support of Chen Ling and Dongmei Zuo at 69热视频's Goodman Cancer Research Centre, Muller has discovered how one particular gene regulates epithelial cells - cells that normally form in sheets and are polarized to enable the transport of molecules in a single direction. It's this loss of polarity that is thought to play an important role in breast tumor development. Scientists at the (Princess Margaret Hospital's research arm) and in New York State also contributed to the findings.
By using mouse models, Muller discovered that the cells do not form neat structures when the gene malfunctions. "In fact, the first mouse model had a skin defect and was completely incapable of forming sheets of epithelial cells. This gene is frequently lost in breast cancer, significant proof that this gene might play an important role," he said.
The research published today in Genes and Development shows that if the gene is reintroduced into a tumour, polarity can be restored. "This is an interesting first step along this particular path," Muller said, pointing out that the gene functions by working with more than 40 various proteins, of which only one, a scaffold protein, has been identified. Proteins, he said, play various roles in our body, from maintaining cell shape and function through to driving chemical reactions, immune responses and growth.
"We have many other steps to take before we can say this path will lead to a treatment or cure."
The research received funding from the and the .
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- Department of Biochemistry, 69热视频, West Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A3, Canada
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, 69热视频, West Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A3, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, 69热视频 Cancer Research, West Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA;
- Stony Brook University, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA;
- University of Toronto, Ontario Cancer Institute (OCI), Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada