Removing ‘good cholesterol’ receptor may protect against breast cancer

Studies conducted at Thomas Jefferson University’s Kimmel Cancer Center have revealed that removing a lipoprotein receptor known as SR-BI may help protect against breast cancer. In an in vitro study, the researchers found that removing the receptor protein in breast cancer cells led to a decrease in cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In the mouse models, removing SR-BI protected against tumor growth. SR-BI is a receptor for high-density lipoproteins, also known as ‘good cholesterol,’ which help transport cholesterol out of the arteries and to the liver for excretion. “The results of this novel study show that depletion of SR-BI reduces cancer cell and tumor growth, suggesting that it could play an important role in breast cancer,” said Philippe G. Frank, who worked on the study, said. “More studies are warranted to further characterize the role of SR-BI in tumor progression.”