Breast cancer gene predicts shorter survival

In the last five years researchers have been examining the genes expressed during breast cancer in order to classify those genes into groups that can reliably predict the outcome of disease. In many cases, exactly how genes with prognostic significance figure into the disease process is not well understood.

A study by researchers at the Northwestern University shows how the protein alpha-basic-crystallin, which is commonly expressed in a subtype of breast cancer tumors, is predictive of poor survival in breast cancer patients, independently of other prognostic markers, and also how this protein triggers tumor development.

The study published in this month’s Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that alpha-basic-crystallin is overexpressed in mammary epithelial cells and causes dysregulated growth, changes in cell structure, diminished programmed cell death, and the formation of invasive carcinomas that is linked to activation of the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway.

The investigators suggest these results may facilitate the development of tailored therapies that are active against this signaling pathway.