Researchers at Umeå University in Sweden have identified a previously unknown mechanism that allows aggressive triple-negative breast cancer to control its protein production. This finding could lead to new research directions for future treatments.
"We have found a critical control point that, when disturbed, can tip the balance against cancer," said Francesca Aguilo, associate professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University and leader of the study.
Cells use ribosomes to convert genetic information from RNA into proteins. Ribosomes are made up of ribosomal RNA and proteins and include systems that regulate their function. Disruptions in these systems can result in diseases such as cancer.
The researchers focused on chemical modifications within ribosomal RNA, particularly 2′-O-methylation (Nm), which is managed by the enzyme fibrillarin. The study revealed that fibrillarin is essential for building ribosomes and determining which proteins are produced.
The team discovered that fibrillarin works together with the ribosome protein RPS28 to create specialized ribosomes with distinct characteristics. If fibrillarin is absent, RPS28 also disappears, resulting in different types of ribosomes—a condition known as ribosomal heterogeneity. This imbalance influences protein production and may contribute to cancer development.
While further studies are needed before these findings can be applied clinically, the research suggests a potential approach for treating cancer by targeting misregulated protein production.
The research was conducted in collaboration with several European universities and published in Cancer Letters. Funding came from organizations including the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Cancer Society, and foundations such as Knut and Alice Wallenberg and Kempe.
