Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Genes found to play a role in breast cancer's spread to the brain

Genes found to play a role in breast cancer's spread to the brain

May 07, 2009

New research led by investigators at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) identifies three genes that specifically mediate the metastasis, or spread, of breast cancer to the brain and illuminates the mechanisms by which this spread occurs. The study was published online today in Nature.

According to the study, COX2 and HB-EGF - genes that induce cancer cell mobility and invasiveness - were found to be genetic mediators in the spread of breast cancer to the brain. A third gene, ST6GALNAC5, was shown to provide cancer cells with the capability of exiting the blood circulation and passing through the blood-brain barrier to enter the brain tissue.




"Our research sheds light on the role these genes play in determining how breast tumor cells break free and, once mobile, how they decide where to attack," said Joan Massagué, PhD, Chair of the Cancer Biology and Genetics Program at MSKCC and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator.

Breast cancer metastasis to the brain typically occurs years after removal of a breast tumor, suggesting that disseminated cancer cells initially lack the specialized functions needed to overtake the dense network of capillaries that constitute the blood-brain barrier. This barrier prevents the entry of circulating cells and regulates the transport of molecules into the brain tissue. To generate brain metastasis, circulating cancer cells must, therefore, be able to pass through the blood-brain barrier and interact with the brain microenvironment.

In the study, Dr. Massagué and his colleagues isolated cancer cells that preferentially targeted the brain from patients with advanced disease. By combining this approach with gene expression profiling, additional testing in mouse model systems, and analysis of a body of clinical data, the investigators identified certain genes and functions that selectively mediate cancer cell passage through the blood-brain barrier.

The authors observed that ST6GALNAC5, an enzyme that is normally active only in brain tissue, causes a chemical reaction that creates a coating on the surface of breast cancer cells that enhances their ability to breach the blood-brain barrier. Their findings show that breast cancer cells use this brain-specific cell-coating enzyme as a means of infiltrating the brain.

"Our results draw attention to the role of the cell surface coating as a previously unrecognized participant in brain metastasis, and to the possibility of using drugs to disrupt its interactions," said Dr. Massagué. "Further study is necessary to explore the role of these genes in brain metastasis and their interest as therapeutic targets."

The study authors also noted that COX2 and HB-EGF, which prime breast cancer cells for entrance into the brain, had previously been found to be involved in breast cancer's spread to the lung. This suggests a partial sharing of genetic mediators of metastasis to both the brain and lung and may explain the association of brain and lung relapse in women with breast cancer.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center



Related Breast Cancer Current Events and Breast Cancer News Articles Breast Cancer Current Events and Breast Cancer News RSS Breast Cancer Current Events and Breast Cancer News RSS
Researcher: 'Optical biopsy' for breast cancer increasingly accurate
But women may not have to endure the medical costs, stress and potential complications that accompany such invasive biopsies forever. A University of Florida biomedical engineering researcher is making progress on an "optical biopsy" that has the potential to determine whether growths are cancerous without ever puncturing the skin.

Plastic surgeons offer microsurgery technique for breast reconstruction, tummy tuck after mastectomy
Since her teens, Jennifer Jablon had watched family members deal with breast cancer during their 40s, 50s, and 60s. She wondered whether it would be her fate too.

Experimental agent reduces breast cancer metastasis to bone
Researchers have reduced breast cancer metastasis to bone using an experimental agent to inhibit ROCK, a protein that was found to be over-expressed in metastatic breast cancer.

American Dietetic Association Releases Updated Position Paper Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding
The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on breastfeeding that details health benefits for both infants and mothers and encourages promotion of breastfeeding whenever possible.

Weight Training Boosts Breast Cancer Survivors' Body Image and Satisfaction with Intimate Relationships, Penn Study Shows
In addition to building muscle, weightlifting is also a prescription for self-esteem among breast cancer survivors, according to new University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine research.

Early-stage, HER2-positive breast cancer patients at increased risk of recurrence
Early-stage breast cancer patients with HER2 positive tumors one centimeter or smaller are at significant risk of recurrence of their disease, compared to those with early-stage disease who do not express the aggressive protein, according to a study led by researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Adapting Space-Industry Technology to Treat Breast Cancer
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center and Argonne National Laboratory are collaborating on a study to determine if an imaging technique used by NASA to inspect the space shuttle can be used to predict tissue damage often experienced by breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

An exquisite container
In campy old movies, Lucretia Borgia swans around emptying powder from her ring into wine glasses carelessly left unattended. The poison ring is usually a confection of gold filigree holding a cabochon or faceted gemstone that can be broken to empty the ring's contents. It is invariably enormous - so large it is rather odd nobody seems to notice it.

MicroRNA-mediated metastasis suppression
Metastases are responsible for over 90% of cancer deaths. In the upcoming issue of G&D, Dr. Robert Weinberg (MIT) and colleagues lend molecular insight into how microRNAs suppress tumor metastasis.

Study shows hormone replacement therapy decreases mortality in younger postmenopausal woman
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat menopausal estrogen deficiency has been in widespread use for over 60 years. Several observational studies over the years showed that HRT use by younger postmenopausal women was associated with a significant reduction in total mortality; available evidence supported the routine use of HRT to increase longevity in postmenopausal women.
More Breast Cancer Current Events and Breast Cancer News Articles
New Balance Women's Lace Up X Out Breast Cancer Tech Tee (Athletic Grey, Medium)

New Balance Women's Lace Up X Out Breast Cancer Tech Tee (Athletic Grey, Medium)
by New Balance

The New Balance X Out Breast Caner Tee has a soft hand and clearly states how everyone feels!

1149 WOMENS VINTAGE BLACK ADJUSTABLE FATIGUE CAP w/PINK STRIPES & ''BREAST CANCER'' RIBBON

1149 WOMENS VINTAGE BLACK ADJUSTABLE FATIGUE CAP w/PINK STRIPES & ''BREAST CANCER'' RIBBON
by Rothco

A portion of these proceeds go to the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition- For Life, For Hope, For Change, For the Future Visit www.babylonbreastcancer.org for more information.

New Balance Women's Lace Up X Out Breast Cancer Tech Tee (Athletic Grey, Small)

New Balance Women's Lace Up X Out Breast Cancer Tech Tee (Athletic Grey, Small)
by New Balance

The New Balance X Out Breast Caner Tee has a soft hand and clearly states how everyone feels!

Pink Ribbon BREAST CANCER Crystal Pin

Pink Ribbon BREAST CANCER Crystal Pin
by MyJewelThief

Genuine Austrian Crystal Layered in 18k Gold Pink Enameled Ribbon Pins. Measures approx. 1 1/2" X 1". Each individually carded. Wonderful for fund raisers!

Breast Cancer Survival Manual, Fourth Edition: A Step-by-Step Guide for the Woman With Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Survival Manual, Fourth Edition: A Step-by-Step Guide for the Woman With Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer
by John Link (Author)

A completely updated edition of the definitive guide for patients with breast cancer
The new fourth edition of The Breast Cancer Survival Manual provides essential updates on treatment and care, enhancing the basic information that has made this the most trusted guide for women diagnosed with breast cancer for the past decade. This edition includes the most current advice on • getting a second opinion: why it’s important, what questions    to ask, and how to decide which team of doctors is best for you
• updates on genetic testing and how doctors are using
   the results to tailor care for each patient
• navigating new types of radiation, the herceptin
   breakthrough, and improved reconstruction surgeries
Conscious of the rapidly evolving spectrum of...

Find the Cure Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Wristband

Find the Cure Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Wristband
by sci

Find The Cure Pink Breast Cancer Awareness wristband

PINK RIBBON BREAST CANCER BEADED KEY CHAIN Purse Charm

PINK RIBBON BREAST CANCER BEADED KEY CHAIN Purse Charm
by MyJewelThief

Beaded Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness Keychains. A mix of 4 styles! BEADS GALORE! Great for keychains, purse charms and more! Great for fund raisers! Meaures approx. 5" long!

Trudeau Cool Off Hydration Bottle - Breast Cancer Pink - 24oz

Trudeau Cool Off Hydration Bottle - Breast Cancer Pink - 24oz
by Trudeau

For each Bottle sold Trudeau will donate 5% to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon Promise of a Cure Cuff Bracelet

Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon Promise of a Cure Cuff Bracelet
by Silver Insanity

This Cuff Bracelet Will Fit up to a 8" Wrist and is 3/8" Wide Crafted of a Silver Toned Base Metal and Brought to High Polish Shine Set with a Bright Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon and Inscribed With The Phrase "Promise of a Cure"

Sunbeam SlumberRest Camelot Microplush Heated Throw, Breast Cancer Awareness Pink

Sunbeam SlumberRest Camelot Microplush Heated Throw, Breast Cancer Awareness Pink
by Sunbeam

Soft comfortable fabric that you can cuddle up with anywhere in your house. Use it on the couch while curling up to read a good book or in a chair while watching your favorite show. This throw is 50"x60", with a primstyle control which features 3 warming settings and 3 hour auto-off. So turn on your warming blanket, turn off your thermostat and save on your heating bill. Warm up to a good cause! Sunbeam is joining the fight against breast cancer. Through the purchase of this pink throw, sunbeam will donate $1.00 to city of hope for breast cancer research, treatment and education* up to $25,000. Program ends april 30, 2009. "to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all, and energizing science to find the cures." *to learn more about...

© 2009 BrightSurf.com