New protein may trigger breast cancer

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Canadian researchers have identified a new protein called ARF1 that appears to play a key role in promoting breast cancer, according to a report in The Journal of Biological Chemistry.

The research team is hopeful that ARF1 could serve as a target for new treatments to combat this common and often fatal disease.

ARF1 is best known for its work inside of cells, helping control the movement of various chemicals. However, the protein can also be found on the surface of cells where it can potentially interact with other cells.

Dr. Audrey Claing from University of Montreal and colleagues examined whether ARF1 could control the movement and growth of breast cancer cells.

Cancer cells were treated with epidermal growth factor, a protein found on the surface of some cells that causes them to divide, the researchers found that ARF1 activity was increased and that it was now found both inside and on the surface of the cells.

When ARF1 was experimentally removed from the cells, the ability of epidermal growth factor to promote the growth of the cancer cells was markedly reduced.

The authors note that recently a chemical was identified that specifically blocks the activity of ARF1. "Further studies using such compounds will provide insights into the precise role of ARF1 during (tumor development)."

SOURCE The Journal of Biological Chemistry, December 26, 2008.

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