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	Thursday 12th July 2001 Gene Genius A new gene has been discovered that may play a key part in the development of oral cancer. Researchers at the University of Alabama’s Comprehensive Cancer Center in the US, have found that a new oncogene, called GKLF, shows only a limited expression in normal cells but is over-expressed in nearly all cancers of the oral cavity and 70 per cent of breast tumours. Further research confirmed that the expression of GKLF is unique to oral and breast cancer and is not a general growth pattern in all types of cancer. Tests were carried out on mice at the Cancer Center’s Transgenic Animal Facility where the scientists identified the cancer-causing role of the new oncogene. Lead researcher, Dr J. Michael Ruppert, said, ‘When we caused the mice to over-express GKLF, their skin underwent increased cell proliferation, developed early changes of malignancy and finally overt cancer. This animal model confirms the ability of GKLF to induce both early and overt cancer.’ He continued, ‘Increased expression of specific oncogenes in tumour cells can result from genetic alterations of the oncogene or of the mechanisms that regulate its expression. This new oncogene will be a therapeutic target for drug discovery and other treatment strategies.’