Research publications
'Publication' is the term used when the results of research carried out by scientists are made public knowledge. These publications are seen worldwide in journals and on the internet.
For publications to be accepted by a journal, they have to be reviewed by a panel of experts. Publications are a very important way for researchers to share their findings with the scientific community - driving breast cancer research forward.
Campaign's Scientific Advisory Board will look at publications of scientists applying for the charity's grants as an indication of how well they are progressing in their chosen field of research.
Below is a list of publications that have resulted from the ongoing and completed research projects that have been funded by Breast Cancer Campaign. If you would like to know something more specific, please email research@breastcancercampaign.org
Key Breast Cancer Campaign publications 2009–2010
Research areas:
Genetics
Breast cancer growth and spread
Diagnosis
Treatment
Genetics
Dr Paul Edwards at the University of Cambridge discovered a gene on chromosome 8, NRG1, stops working in approximately 50 per cent of breast cancers and is likely to play a crucial role in breast cancer development.
Read the abstract.
Campaign fellow, Dr Jo Morris at Guy’s Hospital, London discovered a ‘limpet-like’ protein, SUMO, plays a crucial role in preventing breast cancer from forming. SUMO attached to the BRCA1 gene and guides it to damaged DNA in need of repair.
Read the abstract.
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Breast cancer growth and spread
Dr Amanda Harvey at Brunel University discovered a molecule called Brk, found in over 60 per cent of breast tumours (but not normal cells), helps cancers cells to spread and is linked to poor patient survival.
Read the abstract.
Dr Jeremy Blaydes at the University of Southampton discovered two molecules called CtBP1 and CtBP2 protect breast cancer cells from dying and help them to grow. Treatments stopping the ctBP proteins from working may hold great promise for treating breast cancer in the future.
Read the abstract.
Dr Keith Brennan at the University of Manchester discovered that Notch proteins play a crutial role in protecting breast cancer cells from being killed. Anti-Notch treatments may hold great promise for treating breast cancer in the future.
Read the abstract.
Dr Erik Sahai at the London Research institute discovered that a gene called TGFβ controls a set of genes that need to be first switched on and then off to enable breast cancer cells to spread through the blood to other parts of the body.
Read the abstract.
Dr Andrew Green, University of Nottingham, discovered a molecule called Fatty Acid Binding protein 7 (FABP7), found in breast cancer cells, can predict which patients with basal-like (triple negative) breast cancers are likely to have a better chance of surviving the disease. This information could help clinicians decide on the best course of treatment for patients.
Read the abstract.
Dr Sotiris Missailidis at the Open University developed aptamers, which are small molecules that bind to MUC1 molecules only found on the surface of breast cancer cells. When aptermers are attached to small amounts of radiation they have the potential to be used for diagnostic and treatment purposes.
Read the abstract.
Dr Andy Green, University of Nottingham and Professor Gwynn Williams, Keele University discovered two genes, Fau and MELK, which are involved in breast cancers cells establishing their own blood supply. These genes could be used to predict how a patient’s breast cancer will progress at the point of diagnosis, allowing them to be given the most appropriate course of treatment.
Read the abstract.
Treatment
Professor Charles Streuli at the University of Manchester discovered a group of molecules called proteins called IPA proteins may be responsible for breast cancer cells developing becoming resistant to treatments such Herceptin and Lapatinib.
Read the abstract.
Dr Paul Symonds at the University of Leicester discovered that a condition known as telangiectasiae, previously believed to be a harmless cosmetic side affect of radiotherapy, appears in patients who are more at risk of developing heart problems many years later. Around 50 per cent of patients who received radiotherapy to the left had side of their chest went on to develop heart problems over a decade later.
Read the abstract.
Dr Ingunn Holen at the University of Sheffield revealed that the tremendous killing effect of combining the chemotherapy paclitaxal followed 24 hours later by zolendronic acid are long lasting; six weeks of treatment in mice shows the same benefit six months later as six months of continuous treatment.
Read the abstract.
Campaign fellow Dr Robert Clarke at the University of Manchester found a new avenue for killing breast cancer stem cells (CSCs), which scientists believe are responsible for breast cancer returning after treatment. CSCs contain high levels of a molecule called Notch 4 on their surface, which Dr Clarke has been able to inactivate in the laboratory, killing the CSCs.
Read the abstract.
Dr Tracy Robson at Queen’s University Belfast discovered a gene, FKBPL, could be used to predict which patients are likely to respond well to tamoxifen. When it is found in high levels in breast cancer, it indicates a good response to tamoxifen and a better chance of survival. Conversely low levels of FKBPL indicate a poor response.
Read the abstract.
