Scientists Find 5 New Genes Linked to Uterine Cancer
An international research team led by Hannover Medical School has uncovered five new genomic risk factors for uterine cancer, bringing fresh insight into how this common cancer develops and offering hope for improved diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Uterine Cancer and Its Genetic Roots
Uterine cancer, often referred to as endometrial cancer, is the most common type of gynaecological cancer affecting women. Each year, around 400,000 women worldwide are diagnosed with this disease, and approximately 100,000 die as a result. Known risk factors include obesity, diabetes, ageing, and high estrogen levels.
While lifestyle and hormonal factors play a significant role, scientists estimate that about 5% of cases are due to inherited genetic mutations. These mutations are associated with conditions such as Lynch syndrome and Cowden syndrome. However, the exact genetic causes in many patients remain unknown.
A Global Effort to Decode Genomic Risk
In a recent breakthrough, researchers at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at MHH led a global study to identify additional genomic risk factors for uterine cancer. Under the leadership of Dr. Thilo Dörk-Bousset, the team analysed genetic data from more than 17,000 women with endometrial cancer and compared it to the DNA of over 290,000 healthy women. The data was collected from several national biobanks and validated with participants from the MHH Women’s Clinic.
Their findings, published in eBioMedicine, revealed five new genomic regions (loci) that are strongly linked to the development of uterine cancer.
This discovery increases the total number of known genomic risk factors for uterine cancer from 16 to 21.
The NAV3 Gene: A Key Tumour Suppressor
Among the newly discovered genetic risk factors, one gene stood out—NAV3 (Navigator-3). Researchers conducted further experiments to understand its role in the uterus.
What they found was striking: when NAV3 was turned off in uterine cells, the cells began to grow more rapidly. In contrast, when NAV3 activity was increased, it triggered cell death. These results suggest that NAV3 acts as a tumour suppressor gene, a type of gene that prevents uncontrolled cell growth.
According to Dr. Dhanya Ramachandran, the study’s lead author and a molecular biologist at MHH, NAV3 is significantly reduced in many cases of endometrial cancer, which may allow tumours to form and grow unchecked.
Why These Findings Matter
This research has several important implications. First, by identifying more genomic risk factors for uterine cancer, scientists can improve their ability to predict a woman’s risk of developing the disease, particularly in those with a family history.
As Dr. Dörk-Bousset explains, “The more risk genes we know, the better we can assess an individual’s likelihood of developing uterine cancer.”
Second, the findings open new doors for preventive strategies and targeted treatments. Understanding how specific genes, such as NAV3, function can guide the development of drugs that either restore their normal activity or compensate for their loss.
The Future of Cancer Prevention and Therapy
According to Professor Dr. Peter Hillemanns, Director of the MHH Women’s Clinic, research like this lays the groundwork for tomorrow’s cancer therapies. As scientists uncover more about the genetic factors involved in uterine cancer, they get closer to personalised medicine approaches tailored to each patient’s genetic profile.
The NAV3 gene, in particular, is now under further investigation as a potential therapeutic target.
Conclusion
This important study adds to the growing body of knowledge about genomic risk factors for uterine cancer. By identifying five new genetic locations and highlighting the role of the NAV3 gene, researchers have taken a significant step toward earlier diagnosis, improved risk prediction, and the development of more effective therapies.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 9 August 2025
- 22:00
