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The secret life of a cell-cycle gatekeeper of breast cancer

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A newly discovered function for the protein Rb explains why inhibiting cell division can enhance the signalling mediated by the oestrogen receptor that drives breast cancer.

By

  1. Cristina Guarducci

    1. Cristina Guarducci is in the Translational Research Unit, Department of Oncology, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Hospital of Prato, 59100 Prato, Italy.

  2. Luca Malorni

    1. Luca Malorni is in the Translational Research Unit, Department of Oncology, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Hospital of Prato, 59100 Prato, Italy.

A fuller picture of the actions of proteins that regulate cell division could help researchers to develop treatments for certain tumour types. Writing in Nature, Watt et al.1 unmask a new role for the tumour-suppressor protein Rb in breast cancer, showing that it can promote gene expression and influence the response of cancer cells to therapy.

Nature 657, 357-358 (2026)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-026-02470-z

References

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Competing Interests

L.M. has an advisory role for: Pfizer, Novartis, Lilly, Astra Zeneca, Menarini, Roche. Research funding from Pfizer, Novartis. Travel support from: Pfizer, Gilead, Menarini.

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