CD: decreased activity of G9a enzyme keeps cancer cells from going to sleep

Scientists from the London Institute of Cancer Research have found that inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called G9a prevents tumour cells from going into 'sleep mode' in an attempt to avoid the effects of drugs in breast cancer. The findings are published in the journal Cancer Discovery (CD).

It is noted that the researchers focused on the study of estrogen-receptor-positive (ER +) breast cancer. This term means that the malignant cells have estrogen (female sex hormone) binding receptors on them, which speeds up their multiplication and promotes tumour growth. It is this type of breast cancer that has a high capacity for recurrence.

Estrogen-positive cancer can also trigger the process of cancer cells going into "hibernation" in the body. Hibernating cancer cells are those that have left the main primary tumour in the bloodstream and fixed in the structure of any other tissues in the form of micrometastasis. Such cells are not recognised by the protective mechanisms of the immune system and are not eliminated by cancer therapy.

Scientists have managed to find out that the receptor known as G9a, encourages cancer cells to go to sleep. Reducing its activity not only "wakes up" tumour cells in estrogen-positive breast cancer, but also eliminates them, increasing the effectiveness of hormone therapy.

The researchers noted that their discovery makes a significant contribution to the development of new drugs for the treatment of cancer.

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