Researchers aim to develop Set8 inhibitor for breast cancer therapy 24/5

Scientists plan to develop Set8 inhibitor to tackle triple negative breast cancer

Researchers are looking to develop an inhibitor for the Set8 enzyme after discovering the significant role it plays in triple negative breast cancer.

The team, from Western University in the US, identified a protein known as Numb that promotes the death of cancer cells by binding to a tumour suppressor protein called p53.

As explained in this month’s issue of Molecular Cell, the researchers found that when Numb is reduced or methylated by Set8, it no longer protects p53.

Dr Shawn Li, professor of biochemistry from Western’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, explained how preventing Numb from being methylated in cancer cells can sensitive the cell to chemotherapy.

“If you don’t have Numb in a cell, then the p53 can be degraded very quickly, and these cells become resistant to chemotherapy,” he said.

If the scientists manage to develop a Set8 inhibitor, it could be used as a stand along drug or as a combination treatment administered alongside chemotherapy.