Gene identified

Scientists have found a gene that exhibits estrogen-blocking ability and inhibits tumours.

Researchers at the University Of California Irvine have identified a gene that exhibits estrogen-blocking ability and inhibits the growth of tumours. The study also claims that mutation of the gene causes breast cancer in women.

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Dr. Ellis Levin, a professor of medicine, biochemistry and pharmacology at UCI, and colleagues at the Long Beach Veterans Administration Medical Center and Georgetown University Lombardi Cancer Center have identified how the healthy BRCA1 gene prevents the growth and survival of breast cancer cells.

However when the BRCA1 gene is mutated, it can no longer block its signaling activity from stimulating the growth and survival of cancer cells. The findings suggest that drugs developed to block estrogen signalling at specific pathways can help curb the incidence of breast cancer in women.

"The therapeutic goal is to develop estrogen inhibitors that would prevent these types of undesirable effects, yet preserve the positive effects that prevent osteoporosis or hot flashes. Alternatively, enhancing or restoring normal BRCA1 protein function is another approach to consider in women with such BRCA1 mutations," said Levin, who also is chief of endocrinology at UCI and at the VA Medical Center.