Targeting a specific enzyme—O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT)— can kill triple-negative breast cancer cells but spare non-tumor cells, according to a study in the online edition of Molecular Cell.
Researchers discovered that reducing levels of OGT or blocking OGT activity selectively killed cancer cells but spared non-cancer breast cells. This reduces critical metabolites involved in energy production that feeds cancer growth and survival.
The team showed that TNBC tumors contain higher expression of OGT and HIF-1a compared to other breast cancer subtypes. These results provide evidence that targeting OGT may provide targeted therapy for TNBC.
• Edited from a news release from Drexel University College of Medicine.
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