Collaboration is generally a good thing – working together to achieve a goal.
But in the case of cancer, it can be devastating. University of Cincinnati researchers have found that collaboration between two key genes directs cancer growth, spread and resistance to treatment in one type of breast cancer that is particularly aggressive.
The good news, however, is that with this experience, they can continue to focus on their targeted therapies at these genes, individually and collectively, to stop breast cancer in its pathways.
This study is published in the March 9 online edition of the journal Cell reports.
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 280,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2021. Like many other cancers, breast cancer cells are stimulated by mutations and by overproduction of ‘driver’ genes , which drives the developmental cancer process. “
Xiaoting Zhang, PhD, Professor and Thomas Boat Chair of Endowment in UC Department of Cancer Biology, Director, Breast Cancer Research Program and Member, University of Cincinnati Cancer Center
It states that one of these genes, called HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), makes up about 20% of human breast cancer cases, and although there are some treatments to target it, undesirable side effects and resistance to treatment often occur in patients, causing relapse.
“About a dozen more genes, including one called MED1, are located within the same chromosomal region where HER2 and other genes are multiplied in breast cancer, but it is not known if any of the those genes are just the ‘passenger’ genes, and allow HER2 to do the driving, or indeed cooperate with the gene to play a major role in development, which spread and treat this type of breast cancer. “
To investigate this, the team created an animal model with reproduction of the two genes, HER2 and MED1, in the mammary gland.
This helped researchers discover the key role that MED1 played in helping HER2 promote breast tumor growth, proliferation and resistance to treatment. They found that the genes could actually work together to accelerate their production and actions, which in turn stimulates rapid cell proliferation, movement and invasion to spread cancer and cancer. causing resistance to manipulation.
Zhang adds that previous research has shown that MED1 has a role in counteracting treatment in another type of breast cancer, ER + (estrogen receptor positive). This UC study established MED1 as a key driver in the development and resistance of two major types of breast cancer.
“Our findings suggest that MED1 targeting, alone and in combination with conventional therapies, could be an effective treatment strategy for nearly 90% of breast cancer patients in clinics and combating resistance to two widely used breast cancer treatments, “Zhang says.
Zhang and his team have already developed a treatment that targets MED1 specifically in tumors, using RNA nanotechnology similar to the one used for the COVID-19 vaccines, and they are has seen positive results. This technology is currently awaiting patent.
Creating foundations for future research, careers
Yongguang Yang, PhD, the first author of this study and a research associate in Zhang’s laboratory, says his work has examined the roles of these genes in cancer and the fight against eye opening and adopts a true “teamwork” approach.
“Working together as a team is very important in this process, as working with the underlying researchers in cancer biology, clinical teams and physicians ensures that we have access to their unique insights and the clinical experience, data and direct samples, “he says.” These findings are encouraging and are closely linked to how this cancer affects humans. This new animal model we have created has a wide range of future applications and will allow us to continue to study basic molecular mechanisms of this type of breast cancer to detect and test new treatments. “
“It was very interesting to be able not only to conduct my graduate studies on something as innovative and influential as identifying new ways in which breast cancers work, but also to develop applications that can be developed. ‘may be for the treatment of cancer in the future, “adds co-author Marissa, Leonard, PhD, who recently graduated with a doctorate from UC’s cancer and cell biology program. one or the other is often seen in research labs, but doing both is something I would consider a rare opportunity. “
“The scientific knowledge, experience and writing skills gained from Dr Zhang’s laboratory and our graduate program at UC have greatly broadened my horizons and allowed me to experience a wide range of subjects. of scientific concepts, ”says Leonard, now a medical writer. “These broad, laboratory-based skill sets go well for many career paths, too, whether that includes ongoing research, medical writing, regulatory science, patent law, teaching or others. “
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Magazine Reference:
Yang, Y., et al. (2021) Active cooperation between co-matched genes induces invasive phenotypes of HER2-positive breast cancer. Cell reports. doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108822.