Adelaide University researchers discover DNA switch that may slow breast cancer growth

Researchers from Adelaide University, the South Australian immunoGENomics Cancer Institute (SAiGENCI), and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) have identified a DNA regulatory region that may help limit the growth of oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer.

ER+ breast cancer accounts for up to 80 percent of cases and is driven by the hormone oestrogen. While previous studies suggested the androgen receptor could act as a tumour suppressor in these cases, the exact mechanism was unknown. While the team previously focused on the ZBTB16 gene, new findings reveal that the gene itself is not responsible for the growth-suppressing effect.

Instead, the study identified a small DNA enhancer located within the gene, known as HRRINT3. This DNA switch helps the androgen receptor restrain cancer cell growth when activated by androgens. The discovery provides new insights that could inform the development of future treatments for patients who no longer respond to hormone therapies.