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Scientists have discovered a protein that can suppress the growth of breast cancer tumours.
Proline-Rich Homeodomain protein (PRH) is a protein that controls and regulates genes.
PRH is known to be important in multiple cell types, this work has important implications for other types of cancer.
When PRH protein levels are reduced in a breast tumour, the cells are more able to divide, speeding up the progression of the tumour.
Some of the genes which are regulated by PRH can specifically contribute to the increased cell division.
The researchers also carried out tests in a tumour model of mammary cancers, increasing PRH levels to observe the effect.
They discovered that high levels of PRH blocked the formation of the tumours, this shows that PRH can block tumour formation in some breast cancers.
