A revolutionary could come from the discovery of a protein, new treatment for breast cancer. Researchers at the University of North Carolina have identified the MRE11 protein that causes cells to die before they finish the process of transforming into cancer cells.
Practically the protein triggers a strong inflammation process that triggers the body’s immune defenses. In this way the immune system recognizes diseased cells more easily and eliminates them. You can read the details of the study in the scientific journal Nature.
The role of the sentinel sensor in the possibility of developing a new treatment for breast cancer
We have known for some time that when a cancer cell divides, it suffers damage to its DNA. This situation is typically understood as a threat by our body. The organism activates a sensor of damaged DNA, which is called cGAS. It has sentinel functions: it alerts the cells of the immune system to find and eliminate the cells in question.
Four years ago some scientists discovered that however this sentinel sensor is deactivated to avoid creating inflammation unless absolutely necessary. The researchers at the United States research center started from this condition to understand what is the key that activates this sensor. This is precisely the MRE11 protein.
Protein and sentinel sensor together could lead to the development of a new treatment for breast cancer
When the protein wakes up the sensor they produce the necroptosis. This is cell death that triggers an inflammatory response. Here the cells of the immune system rush to eliminate the problem.
Now scientists intend to develop a treatment that acts precisely on this protein, in order to prevent breast cancer at least in the most at-risk categories. Experts are about to study a drug that pushes the MRE11 protein to awaken the cGAS sentinel sensor.
Breast cancer numbers in Italy
With more than 55,000 new diagnoses per year, the breast cancer remains the most widespread in Italy. It represents almost a third of all cancers affecting women and 15 of all cancers diagnosed in our country.
Diagnoses have been increasing in recent yearsbut thanks to scientific research mortality is constantly decreasing, although it remains the leading cause of cancer death in women. Therefore, finding a treatment that can prevent some serious forms would represent a further important step forward in finding a cure for this disease.