Rb

RB1 acts as a suppressor because its protein, Rb, inhibits a transcription factor involved in cell proliferation.

Such cellular dedifferentiation in the absence of Rb has also been observed in prostate cancer5.

"By specifically targeting pathways controlled by the Rb protein, it would be possible to switch-off the messages that encourage cancer cells to invade, and inhibit the spread of the tumour."

The team tested the idea by taking muscle cells from mice and temporarily depleting the Rb and ARF inside.

Mammals possess both the Rb gene and a backup, called the Arf gene, which will close down a cancer-prone cell if Rb fails to do so.