London: In what could be claimed a major
breakthrough against breast cancer, scientists have discovered
a protein which could stop tumours from growing and spreading.
A team, led by the Netherlands Cancer Institute
in Amsterdam, has identified the protein, BRD7, a discovery
which may pave the way for potential new treatments to combat
breast cancer that affects millions of women worldwide.
According to the scientists, the protein activates an
anti-cancer gene, P53, which is already known to combat breast
and other tumours.
Without the protein, the gene cannot function to stop
tumours spreading. The tumour suppressor P53 gene, present in
all people, is implicated in up to half of all tumours.
In their research, the scientists, led by Professor
Reuven Agami, found that the protein BRD7 activates P53 and
could suppress the development of breast cancer, the `Daily
Express` reported.
According to Prof Agami, although it is not clear how
BRD7 can prevent the formation of a tumour, it is known that
it is not always present in breast cancer.
He found that BRD7
activates P53, but when it is not present healthy cells can
develop into a tumour.
"I think we have got more understanding of how breast
tumours develop," Prof Agami said.
PTI