Molecule Linked to Breast Cancer Cells May Lead to Earlier Detection

A molecule found on the surface of many types of cells and at high levels in breast cancer cells may lead to new methods of prevention and treatment of the disease, according to researchers at the University of California, Irvine.

The molecule, named glypican-1, is important in the regulation of interactions between cells during growth. Glypican is found in much higher levels in certain types of breast cancer and may enhance the action of growth factors that are linked with cancer.

Researchers speculate that interruption of glypican's activity may provide a new way to treat or prevent breast cancer. The study, published in the journal Cancer Research, also shows that measuring levels of glypican may allow for earlier detection of breast cancer.

"The large increase in glypican-1 in cancerous cells strongly suggests that the molecule promotes the activity of certain genes in ways that help cause breast cancer," said Dr. Murray Korc, professor of medicine at UCI and co-author of the study. "By mapping glypican's effects on the intricate pathways and interactions affecting cellular growth, we might be able to determine if we can inhibit its activity and prevent cancer. Depending on what future research tells us, glypican also can be used as a way to detect cancer earlier."

Other Sources: University of California, Irvine