Scientists at the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam, have identified the protein, BRD7, a discovery which may pave the way for potential new treatments to combat breast cancer that affects millions of women worldwide.
According to the scientists, the protein activates an anti-cancer gene, P53, which is already known to combat breast and other tumours.
In their research, the scientists, led by Professor Reuven Agami, found that the protein BRD7 activates P53 gene and could suppress the development of breast cancer, the Daily Express reported.
Without the protein, the gene cannot function to stop tumours spreading. The tumour suppressor P53 gene, which is present in all people, is implicated in up to half of all tumours.