RANK protein for breast cancer

Eva González Suárez

Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain

Our immune system is responsible for eliminating tumour cells to protect us from cancer. Despite it being highly effective, tumour cells often develop mechanisms through which they manage to "hide" and evade the action of immune cells. It is known, for instance, that the inflammation associated with cancer causes some cells of the immune system, such as myeloid cells, to stop fighting against cancer cells, allowing the tumour to continue to grow.

In previous studies, the team found that in breast cancer, tumour cells increase the expression of a protein called RANK to hide from immune cells and ensure survival. Drugs that inhibit the activation of this protein are now being used to treat bone metastasis. The team's findings show that drugs that inhibit the RANK pathway could also be used to treat or prevent breast cancer. This protein is also expressed in myeloid cells, a type of immune cell which, when present in a tumour, can suppress the immune response and facilitate tumour progression.

The aim of this project is to shed light on the role of the RANK protein in myeloid cells and its interaction with tumour cells. The results will allow for the development of new treatments for breast cancer that improve patient survival by reactivating the immune response.

Role of rank in myeloid cells and tumor development

€499,993.63