New role uncovered for ’oldest’ tumour suppressor gene

Scientists have revealed a brand new function for one of the first cancer genes ever discovered - the retinoblastoma gene - in a finding that could open up exciting new approaches to treatment. The retinoblastoma gene is so called because mutations to it cause a rare children's eye cancer of the same name, and is known to play a central role in stopping healthy cells from dividing uncontrollably. Now the new study - jointly led by scientists at UCL and The Institute of Cancer Research, London - has found that the gene also has another important function, in helping to 'glue' severed strands of DNA back together. The research suggests that existing drugs that exploit the weaknesses of some cancers in repairing their DNA could be effective against tumours with mutations to the retinoblastoma gene. The study, published in the journal Cell Reports, was funded by a range of organisations including Cancer Research UK, Worldwide Cancer Research, the Wellcome Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) itself. Researchers found that mutations to the retinoblastoma gene or RB1 - which are found in many cancers - prevent the effective fixing of broken DNA strands. This results in chromosome abnormalities which can lead to the development of tumours and drive cancers to evolve into more aggressive forms.