Key Protein That Regulates Breast Cell Growth Could Help Prevent Cancer Spread

A research team from the University of Alberta has uncovered a crucial protein involved in the normal development of mammary glands during puberty, which appears to malfunction in some breast cancers. The protein, known as BAD, acts as a cellular 'referee' by switching between forms that promote or inhibit cell growth. During puberty and lactation, BAD is turned off in its phosphorylated form to allow healthy breast development. Once growth is complete, BAD shifts to its non-phosphorylated state, helping to regulate and prevent abnormal cell proliferation.

However, in certain breast cancers, this regulatory process is disrupted. The cancer cells can bypass the 'referee,' leading to increased cell movement and metastasis—the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. The team has discovered that by using existing drugs previously employed in treating melanoma and lung cancers, it’s possible to revert BAD to its helpful, non-phosphorylated form, effectively restoring its ability to control tumor growth.

Their findings, published in Oncogene, reveal the underlying mechanism of how BAD is switched, providing a promising therapeutic target. Crucially, patient data indicates that higher levels of phosphorylated BAD correlate with poorer survival outcomes. The research also involves developing patient-derived organoids—3D tumor models—that allow personalized testing of drug responses. This innovative approach aims to tailor treatments based on individual tumor signatures.

Goping emphasizes that this strategy could accelerate the availability of effective therapies because the drugs involved are already approved for other cancers. The study marks a significant step toward preventing breast cancer metastasis and improving patient prognosis by targeting molecular pathways that regulate cell growth and movement.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-protein-referee-key-breast-cancers.html