Chromosome Chaos Reveals 81 New Cancer-Causing Genes

Researchers in Toronto have identified 81 new genes that drive aggressive basal-like breast cancer, a discovery that could change how we approach treatment for this difficult disease. Basal-like breast cancer is known for being hard to treat because it lacks the typical receptors found in other breast cancers, leaving patients with few options for precision care.

The team at Sinai Health and the University of Toronto found these genes by using a new gene-editing tool called CRISPR-KOALA. Unlike previous methods that only focused on cell cultures in dishes, this tool allows scientists to test genes directly inside living animals. This environment matters because it mimics the complex reality of a tumor, including its interactions with immune cells and blood vessels.

Aneuploidy, the condition where cells have abnormal numbers of chromosomes, is common in these tumors. The researchers specifically looked at chromosome regions that are frequently lost or copied. The screen of over 3,700 genes revealed that 90 percent of the drivers found were invisible in standard laboratory cell cultures. This confirms that studying cancer within a living system is vital for understanding its growth.

One standout gene, PLGRKT, acts as a survival mechanism for cancer cells in low-oxygen areas of a tumor. By helping these cells adapt their metabolism, it effectively fuels tumor expansion. The researchers hope that identifying these specific drivers provides a path toward creating targeted therapies for patients who currently have some of the worst outcomes in oncology.