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Researchers from Ben-Gurion University have discovered a specific protein that plays a key role in the spread of aggressive breast cancer throughout the body and have learned to suppress this protein.

Triple-negative breast cancer is the most dangerous and aggressive form of the disease. Unlike other types of breast cancer, it is not treatable with traditional hormonal therapies. This type of tumor is characterized by rapid growth, a high tendency to recur, and early metastasis to vital organs.

 
This cancer accounts for only 10-15% of all breast cancer cases, but it is the leading cause of death among patients with this disease. Why this cancer is so aggressive remains unclear.

Now, researchers have discovered that the PKC-eta protein increases cancer cell motility and activates genes responsible for metastasis. By inhibiting the protein's activity in the laboratory, the scientists slowed tumor growth and significantly reduced their ability to metastasize. The study was published in the journal Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy .

During their work, the scientists discovered a natural peptide (a short protein) capable of destroying the PKC-eta protein. In animal experiments, administration of this peptide stopped the spread of tumor cells to the lungs and liver.

Co-author Professor Eta Livneh notes : "Our results indicate that PKC-eta may serve as a prognostic marker for identifying patients prone to developing metastases. It may become a therapeutic target for this deadly disease."

Although the results are currently based on laboratory models, the discovery offers hope for the development of new drugs that can help combat metastases. Further research should demonstrate how these findings can be applied in clinical practice.