A new discovery by Italian researchers studying gene activity could turn into an important tool for controlling and treating breast cancer.
Scientists at Milan's National Tumour Institute (INT) have found that proteins produced by two specific genes - HER-2 and FHIT - interact in a way that encourages tumour growth.
The individual activity of these genes had already been studied and charted, but the Italian team spotted an interaction between them that no one had noticed before.
It appears that HER-2 stops FHIT from doing the useful work of blocking cell proliferation. Without FHIT's action, cells can multiply quickly and end up producing a tumour.
"The analysis carried out for our research shows how the activity of HER-2 leads to the degradation of FHIT," said Sylvie Menard, head of experimental oncology at INT.
In the past it has been noticed that the development of breast tumours is often accompanied by an overproduction of proteins by the HER-2 gene.
It is also known that in 70% of breast cancer cases, FHIT has stopped working for some reason.
Menard said it should be possible to find pharmaceuticals which would stop FHIT degenerating and in this way slow the development of tumours.
"After surgery, which is still the preferred treatment in breast cancer cases, the combination of pharmaceuticals directed at HER-2 together with others to inhibit FHIT degeneration could improve the effectiveness of therapy," she said.
The INT team's findings have been published in the latest edition of the journal of the American Academy of the Sciences.
