1 May 2007

New discovery to determine those of us less likely to develop cancer

Scientists in Scotland funded by AICR (Association for International Cancer Research) have found a way of identifying people with a reduced risk of developing cancer.

Dr Thomas Friedberg and his team at the University of Dundee, have discovered that a subtle change in a particular gene results in the protein it produces being broken down three times faster, reducing the likelihood of developing cancer.

The gene, CYP1B1, is active in a wide range of tissues, and high levels have been found in a number of tumours. The discovery is particularly significant for the detection and prevention of cancer of the womb (uterus), as women who carry one changed form of the gene have been found to have lower incidence of the disease compared to individuals with the other forms of CYP1B1.

Explains Dr Friedberg, who is based at the Biomedical Research Centre at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, in Dundee: "Recently several studies have shown that differences in our genes can affect our risk of getting cancer. Our work, using breast cancer cell lines, looked at the factors that determine the levels of the protein produced by this gene, which plays an important role in the way that some chemical cause cancer."

"We found that the levels of this protein in cells differed depending on the type of the CYP1B1 gene. This was because some varieties of the CYP1B1 protein were broken down much faster by cellular enzymes. This in turn results in individual differences in the metabolism of cancer-causing substances, leading to differences in cancer susceptibility. We believe our findings will lead to novel approaches in cancer treatment," he adds.

Dr Mark Matfield, AICR's scientific adviser believes the work has answered an important scientific question and makes the case for future studies on cancer susceptibility. He explains: "Most of the potentially harmful chemicals that get into our body are detoxified in the liver, which acts like a chemical clean-up factory. The one exception is CYP1B1, which is found an all other body tissues but not the liver."

"This research shows that it is actually the rate at which the cells break down the CYP1B1 protein that matters. So there are important implications for many cancers."

Derek Napier, AICR's Chief Executive says support for the work was given in line with the charity's policy of funding the most exciting and novel approaches to research worldwide. " We believe it important to fund work that pushes the boundaries and Dr Friedberg and the team in Dundee have produced important work which could in future change the lives of tens of thousands of people in the UK and many more across the world."

For more information, please contact Dr Friedberg on 01382 660111 extension 33486 or Dr Mark Matfield on (work) 01334 477910 or (mobile) 07970 824278)

Issued by Susan Osborne, communications adviser, AICR on (mobile) 07836 229208.

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Association for International Cancer Research (AICR) is a totally independent charity based in St Andrews in Scotland. It has no commercial ties, no links with any particular research institutions and no commitment to follow any particular line of research. It funds what it considers to be the best researchers and the most valuable studies, wherever they are in the world. This innovative approach to funding research has enabled AICR to contribute significantly to furthering man's understanding of cancer.

Head office Madras House, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9EH, telephone +44 (0) 1334-477910. e-mail: aicr@aicr.org.uk Website: www.aicr.org.uk

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
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University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
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E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk