Scientists identify breast cancer gene

Ann Arbor, Mich. -- U.S. scientists have identified a gene linked with the development of an aggressive form of breast cancer.

University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers discovered the gene FOXP3 suppresses tumor growth. However, it is located on the X chromosome and a single mutation can effectively stop it from working.

That, said the scientists, is unusual, as only one other gene linked with cancer has been found on the X chromosome.

The mouse model study showed when one copy of the FOXP3 gene is silenced, 90 percent of the research mice spontaneously developed cancerous tumors.
When the researchers looked at FOXP3 in human breast tissue cells, it was found to be either deleted or mutated in a substantial portion of the cancer sample.

"FOXP3 defects promote cancer development," said study author Professor Yang Liu. "We do not know whether this is a genetic defect that puts women at higher risk. For treatment, this gene could be quite important, but for diagnosis, it's too early to tell."

The study is detailed in the journal Cell.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.