Inherited Breast Cancer and Red Wine

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A new study reveals a common thread between inherited breast cancer and red wine.

Investigators from the National Institutes of Health looked for the method by which mutations in tumor suppressor genes such as BRCA-1 lead to breast cancer. They found the normal form of BRCA-1 helps maintain the expression of a protein called SIRT1. SIRT1 in turn inhibits the expression of Survivin, an apoptosis inhibitor suspected of maintaining tumors and helping them grow.  However, when BRCA-1 is mutated, SIRT1 levels drop, allowing Survivin to increase.

The researchers found resveratrol, a key component of red wine and grapes, strongly inhibits the growth of BRCA-1 mutant tumors in both cultured cells and animal models. The compound wards off the cancers by enhancing the activities of SIRT1, thus reducing the expression of the cancer booster, Survivin.

“Resveratrol may serve as an excellent compound for targeted therapy for BRCA1 associated breast cancers,” study author Dr. Chu-Xia Deng was quoted as saying.

SOURCE: Molecular Cell, published online October 9, 2008

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