Study published in the journal Science Advances shows how the METTL3 protein influences the spread of breast cancer and points to new paths for research on drugs capable of reducing metastasis.
Research conducted by scientists at Umeå University in Sweden identified that the METTL3 protein plays an important role in the spread of breast cancer to other organs. The study was published on June 26, 2026 in the scientific journal Science Advances and reveals that alterations in the functioning of this protein favor the invasion of healthy tissues, contributing to metastasis.
Furthermore, the researchers state that the results could guide the development of new therapeutic strategies aimed at controlling the progression of the disease.
METTL3 protein favors the invasion of healthy tissues
According to the researchers, METTL3 regulates the release of molecules produced by tumor cells.
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Thus, when the protein does not function properly, it facilitates the ability of breast cancer cells to invade healthy tissues and, consequently, reach other organs.
Additionally, the protein organizes modifications made to cellular RNA.
Therefore, this mechanism participates in controlling which genes remain active and which become inactive within the cell.
According to the scientists, abnormal activity of METTL3 had already been previously linked to different types of cancer.
For this reason, drugs capable of adjusting its action are already being evaluated in scientific research.
Experiments show reduction in the invasion capacity of tumors
During the experiments, the researchers observed that the removal of the METTL3 protein reduced part of the tumors’ ability to degrade healthy tissues.
As a result, it was found that the cancer cells lost part of their invasion potential.
However, when only the enzymatic activity of the protein was blocked, the results were not fully replicated.
Thus, the scientists concluded that METTL3 also uses other mechanisms, besides RNA modifications, to favor cancer progression.
Researchers point out the need for new therapeutic strategies
According to the study’s lead author, Professor Francesca Aguilo from Umeå University, the results indicate that merely blocking the enzymatic activity of the protein may not be sufficient.
According to the researcher, “in some types of cancer, blocking the enzymatic activity of METTL3 may not be enough. Completely inhibiting its tumor-promoting effects may require strategies that eliminate the protein entirely or disrupt its interactions within the cell.”
Thus, the researchers argue that future approaches may consider ways to completely eliminate the protein or prevent its interactions in the cellular environment.
Next steps in the research on the METTL3 protein
Now, the scientists intend to investigate how METTL3 is displaced from the cell nucleus.
Additionally, it will be analyzed whether this same mechanism occurs similarly in other types of cancer.
Finally, the authors believe that the findings may contribute to the development of new drugs aimed at reducing metastasis, although further research is still needed to fully understand the protein’s role.
