Genes Connected to Breast Cancer Identified
Reported November 19, 2007
(Ivanhoe Newswire) — You probably have not heard of the gene, SKP2, but you may be hearing more about it. In a new study, researchers from the University of Michigan say this gene could play an important role in breast cancer. The research reveals increased suppression of the gene SKP2 has been detected in nearly 50 percent of breast cancer cases.
Study authors write that one of the most fascinating parts of cancer biology is the interaction between cancer suppressor genes and oncogenes. Oncogenes are modified genes that are believed to cause cancer. Researchers say they found an interaction between SKP2 gene and the FOXP3 gene.
Researchers found tumors in mice have a decreased amount of FOXP3 were found to have an increase in the amount of SKP2. They say the protein FOXP3 stops tumor growth promoted by SKP2. So, study authors believe the defects in the FOXP3 gene might cause SKP2 to increase and then a tumor can develop.
Study authors add that in human breast cancer they also found an interaction. An increase in FOXP3 decreased the levels of SKP2 and a decrease in FOXP3 increased the SKP2 level. Investigators say it is their belief that FOXP3 is a suppressor of tumor development induced by SKP2.
SOURCE: The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2007
