Novel target for metastatic breast cancer
A role for an orphan receptor in metastatic breast cancer has recently been discovered by researchers at the University of Aberdeen. The expression level of this receptor may be correlated with the invasiveness and metastatic potential of breast cancer cells, and over-expression of the receptor increases the invasiveness of tumour cells. The receptor may provide a biomarker for determining the likelihood of metastasis of breast cancers.
In a highly informative model for rate of metastasis, agonists of the receptor either act as chemotactic factors or stimulate migration of human breast cancer cell lines, whereas antagonists inhibit migration of these cells towards a chemo-attractant. The receptor is therefore a potential target for therapies aimed at preventing metastasis. A screening assay is being developed for functional antagonists of the receptor.
Key Benefits
- The receptor may be used as a biomarker for diagnosis of the metastatic potential in breast cancer
- Migration of breast cancer cells can be modulated by ligands of the receptor
- Antagonists of the receptor inhibit migration of tumour cell lines
- The receptor is a potential target for therapeutic prevention of metastasis of breast cancer
Applications
- This opportunity provides a biomarker for the metastatic potential of breast cancers and could form the basis for a diagnostic test for biopsied breast cancer tissue. There is also the potential to develop therapeutic interventions based on antagonists of the receptor.
IP Status
The University of Aberdeen has filed a patent application on this technology.
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