Breast tumour enzyme identified

[Posted: Thu 26/11/2009 by Olivia Fens]

Scientists have identified an enzyme that plays an important role in the formation of breast tumours.

The team of US and UK scientists found that the enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) alters the structure of collagen in the cells surrounding a growing tumour making it stiff and fibrous.

Previous research has shown that LOX is involved in the spread of cancer, but this latest study is the first to show its role in the development of tumours.

“The enzyme triggers a clear physical change in breast tissue and, if we could stop this happening, we expect it would slow the growth of any cancers that did develop and make them easier to eradicate,” researchers from The Institute of Cancer Research in the UK and the University of California in the US said.

“This study may also help explain why the rate of breast cancer increases dramatically with age – aged tissues are stiffer and contain higher levels of abnormal collagen.”

Commenting on the research, Dr Laura Bell from Cancer Research UK said this study provides further evidence that the LOX enzyme is a key player in breast cancer growth and spread.

“Although at an early stage, this research could help scientists to prevent and treat cancer in the future – the next steps will be to find out if LOX can be switched off and whether this helps to prevent tumours forming or slows their growth,” Dr Bell said.

The study was published in the journal Cell.