Group identifies ZFN326 gene as possible TNBC target

In a paper published in Cancer Research, researchers identified four tumor suppressor genes in triple-negative breast cancer, including one whose expression may be associated with patient survival. The paper's authors included researchers from Houston Methodist Research Institute, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Osaka University.

Using a two-step Sleeping Beauty genetic screen in phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN; MMAC1; TEP1)-mutant mice, the researchers identified 40 tumor suppressor candidate genes. A short interfering RNA screen showed that downregulation of seven of the genes led to increased TNBC cell line proliferation. In xenograft mouse models of breast cancer, small hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockout of four genes, including zinc finger protein 326 (ZNF326), increased tumor growth. Overexpression of ZNF326 decreased tumor growth, prompting further study. The other three genes were activity dependent neuroprotector homeobox protein (ADNP1; ADNP), adaptor related protein complex 2 beta 1 subunit (AP2B1), and translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 70 (TOMM70; TOMM70A)...