Written By Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases diagnosed worldwide in 2020. Despite advances in treatment, prevention remains the best defense against this deadly disease. Now, researchers have identified a promising new target for breast cancer prevention: a protein called AXL.
AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase that plays a role in cell signaling and is involved in the development and progression of several types of cancer. Previous studies have shown that AXL is overexpressed in breast cancer cells and contributes to tumor growth and metastasis.
Now, a team of researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has identified a new function for AXL in breast cancer prevention. In a study published in the journal Cancer Research, the researchers found that AXL is involved in a cellular process known as ferroptosis, which is a form of programmed cell death that occurs in response to oxidative stress.
The researchers found that blocking AXL activity in breast cancer cells prevented ferroptosis and promoted tumor growth. They also found that AXL was overexpressed in breast cancer tissue samples from patients with poor outcomes, suggesting that targeting this protein could have therapeutic benefits.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Boyi Gan, explained the significance of the findings in a press release: “This is the first study to show that AXL plays a critical role in regulating ferroptosis in breast cancer and that targeting AXL could be an effective approach for breast cancer prevention.”
The researchers also identified a small molecule inhibitor of AXL called BGB324, which is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of several types of cancer. They found that BGB324 inhibited AXL activity in breast cancer cells and promoted ferroptosis, suggesting that this drug could be a promising candidate for breast cancer prevention.
While the study’s findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the role of AXL in breast cancer prevention and to develop effective therapies targeting this protein. However, the study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that targeting specific proteins involved in cancer development and progression could be an effective strategy for cancer prevention.
Dr. Gan emphasized the importance of continued research in this area: “Our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer prevention and suggest a new therapeutic approach for this disease. We hope that our study will inspire more research in this area and ultimately lead to better outcomes for patients with breast cancer.”
In conclusion, the identification of AXL as a promising target for breast cancer prevention is an exciting development in the fight against this deadly disease. While more research is needed to develop effective therapies targeting this protein, the study’s findings provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer development and suggest a new avenue for future research and treatment.
