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A new breast cancer oncogene has been discovered
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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American scientists have discovered a new breast cancer oncogene called FAM83B, Business Standart reports. The results of the work of researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, conducted under the direction of Dr. Mark Jackson, were published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
"Using an objective screening method, we discovered the oncogene FAM83B. When this gene is overexpressed in breast cells, normal cells begin to behave like cancer cells," Jackson noted. In their work, the scientists used the insertional mutagenesis technique. It allows the desired mutations to occur in genes by introducing DNA sections into the cell through capillaries or special pipettes, the diameter of the tips of which varies from 0.5 to 10 micrometers.
During the experiment, scientists found that the removal of FAM83B suppresses the proliferation of tumor cells. Analysis of tumor samples showed that the expression of this gene is significantly increased in cancer cells. It was also proven that FAM83B is associated with the occurrence of the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, the so-called triple-negative cancer. This tumor subtype is characterized by an increased ability to form metastases and a low survival rate for patients.
The discovery of FAM83B, according to scientists, opens up new possibilities for developing drugs against triple-negative breast cancer. "Our discovery provides the basis for developing a new treatment that will allow inhibition of FAM83B in aggressive cancers that are difficult to treat. We are now trying to develop a drug that will suppress the function of this gene," Jackson said.
Breast cancer is one of the most common oncological diseases among women. It is also occasionally found in men, who make up less than one percent of the total number of cases. The incidence of this malignant tumor has increased sharply in developed countries over the past 40 years.
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