The RING-H2 protein RNF11 is overexpressed in breast cancer and is a target of Smurf2 E3 ligase

Breast malignancy at the molecular level is partly due to genetic mutations and deletions that result in the alteration of expression and function of various cellular genes. Although progress has been made in characterising some of these genes, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying many of the cellular pathways remain to be elucidated. Once identified, such differentially expressed genes will be useful in monitoring disease progression and understanding the molecular mechanisms of tumour development. In addition, the molecular definition of new genes involved in breast tumours will yield novel targets for new therapeutic strategies.