Published , Modified Abstract on Scientists Pinpoint Druggable Target in Aggressive Breast Cancer Original source
Scientists Pinpoint Druggable Target in Aggressive Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affects women worldwide. It is a complex disease that can be classified into different subtypes, each with its unique characteristics and treatment options. One of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer is triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which accounts for about 15% of all breast cancer cases. TNBC is challenging to treat because it lacks the receptors that are targeted by many of the current breast cancer therapies. However, a recent study has identified a new druggable target that could help treat TNBC.
Introduction
Breast cancer is a complex disease that affects millions of women worldwide. It is a heterogeneous disease that can be classified into different subtypes based on the expression of specific receptors, such as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). These receptors are targeted by many of the current breast cancer therapies, such as hormone therapy and HER2-targeted therapy. However, some breast cancer subtypes lack these receptors, making them challenging to treat. One of these subtypes is triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is characterized by the absence of ER, PR, and HER2 receptors. TNBC accounts for about 15% of all breast cancer cases and is associated with a poor prognosis.
The Study
A recent study published in the journal Nature Communications has identified a new druggable target that could help treat TNBC. The study was conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. The researchers used a technique called CRISPR-Cas9 screening to identify genes that are essential for the survival of TNBC cells. They screened more than 18,000 genes and identified a gene called PTPN3 that is essential for the survival of TNBC cells.
PTPN3 as a Druggable Target
PTPN3 is a protein tyrosine phosphatase that regulates the activity of other proteins by removing phosphate groups from them. The researchers found that TNBC cells rely on PTPN3 to maintain their survival and proliferation. They also found that inhibiting PTPN3 using a small molecule inhibitor called MSI-1436 could selectively kill TNBC cells without affecting normal breast cells.
Implications for TNBC Treatment
The identification of PTPN3 as a druggable target for TNBC has significant implications for the treatment of this aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Currently, there are no targeted therapies available for TNBC, and chemotherapy remains the standard of care. However, chemotherapy is associated with significant side effects and is not always effective in treating TNBC. The discovery of PTPN3 as a druggable target could lead to the development of new targeted therapies that are more effective and less toxic than chemotherapy.
Conclusion
Breast cancer is a complex disease that can be classified into different subtypes based on the expression of specific receptors. TNBC is one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer and lacks the receptors that are targeted by many of the current breast cancer therapies. However, a recent study has identified a new druggable target for TNBC called PTPN3. Inhibiting PTPN3 using a small molecule inhibitor could selectively kill TNBC cells without affecting normal breast cells. The discovery of PTPN3 as a druggable target has significant implications for the treatment of TNBC and could lead to the development of new targeted therapies that are more effective and less toxic than chemotherapy.
FAQs
1. What is triple-negative breast cancer?
Triple-negative breast cancer is a subtype of breast cancer that lacks the expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.
2. What is PTPN3?
PTPN3 is a protein tyrosine phosphatase that regulates the activity of other proteins by removing phosphate groups from them.
3. How was PTPN3 identified as a druggable target for TNBC?
PTPN3 was identified as a druggable target for TNBC using a technique called CRISPR-Cas9 screening, which identified genes that are essential for the survival of TNBC cells.
4. What are the implications of the discovery of PTPN3 as a druggable target for TNBC?
The discovery of PTPN3 as a druggable target for TNBC could lead to the development of new targeted therapies that are more effective and less toxic than chemotherapy.
5. What is chemotherapy, and why is it not always effective in treating TNBC?
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is not always effective in treating TNBC because TNBC lacks the receptors that are targeted by many of the current breast cancer therapies.
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