Multiple research projects - including a 2006 study conducted atthe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - have used DNAmicroarray analysis to identify several breast cancer subtypes, including luminal A, luminal B, basal-like andHER2-enriched. Simple tests are being developed to help doctorsidentify these subtypes and to treat their patients in a morebiologically-based way. In turn, these tests have made severalstudies possible that indicate that basal-like, or triple negativebreast cancer, is more prevalent in African Americans than theirCaucasian counterparts. A new study led by UNC Lineberger scientist Charles Perou, PhD, andSean Egan, PhD, from The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto,Ontario, demonstrates that deletion of a sugar transferase calledLFNG (nicknamed "lunatic fringe"), promotes cell proliferation andtumor formation of basal-like breast cancers. The study waspublished last week in the journal Cancer Cell . In a laboratory model, the deletion of LFNG not only caused tumorsto form but also activated two cellular signaling pathways thoughtto be important in tumor formation. The team found increasedactivation of both notch signaling (a receptor found on the surfaceof cells that is involved in stem cell differentiation and development) and increased expression of theMet oncogene. Taking the laboratory model a step further, the team examined thesesame genes and signaling pathways in basal-like tumors and foundthe same genetic signature. "This is exciting because there are drugs in development thattarget each of these pathways. While targeting each pathway alonemight work, our findings suggest that combination therapy could bea promising strategy for treating these basal-like tumors," saysDr. Perou, who is the May Goldman Shaw Distinguished Professor ofMolecular Oncology and professor of genetics, and pathology andlaboratory medicine at the UNC School of Medicine. Basal-like breast cancer tends to be more aggressive and have apoorer prognosis than other types, making up about 15 percent ofall breast cancers. In young African-American women who developbreast cancer, the subtype makes up about 39 percent of alldiagnoses. It is primarily treated with chemotherapy, althoughnewer targeted drugs are being tested in clinical trials. Additional References Citations. We are high quality suppliers, our products such as Glass Wall Fittings Manufacturer , Stainless Steel Checker Plate Manufacturer for oversee buyer. To know more, please visits Hot Rolled Steel Channel.
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