Aneuploidy Selects For Driver Genes In Breast Cancer

Chromosome arm-level aneuploidies in basal-like breast cancer have been found to select for specific driver genes, according to research published online in Nature on July 8, 2026. This discovery sheds light on the genetic mechanisms driving cancer progression.

The study identified PLGRKT as a key oncogene that is positively selected for in the presence of these chromosomal alterations. PLGRKT's tumor-promoting activity is linked to its ability to enhance mitochondrial stress resistance and improve the detoxification of reactive oxygen species within cancer cells. This suggests a novel pathway through which aneuploidy contributes to cancer development and survival.

Researchers screened for chromosome arm-level aneuploidies to uncover this selective pressure on specific driver genes. The findings indicate that aneuploidy is not merely a passive consequence of genomic instability but actively shapes the cancer genome by favoring the acquisition of genes that confer a survival or growth advantage. The identification of PLGRKT and its associated functions provides a concrete example of this selective process.

This research, published in Nature with the DOI 10.1038/s41586-026-10752-9, offers a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between chromosomal abnormalities and oncogene activation in breast cancer. The insights gained could potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting the vulnerabilities created by aneuploidy and the specific driver genes it selects for, such as PLGRKT.