Downstate Researchers Identify New Molecular Pathway in Breast Cancer
By Office of the President | May 19, 2026
Downstate researchers have uncovered an important new clue in how breast cancer develops—one
that could help shape future treatments.
In a study published in iScience, researchers led by Henri Tiedge, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, identified a molecule called BC200 RNA that interferes with BRCA1, a gene that helps protect the body against breast cancer by repairing damaged DNA.
The team found that when BC200 RNA becomes active in breast cells, it can block normal BRCA1 function, increase DNA damage, and promote tumor growth. Just as importantly, researchers were able to reverse some of those effects by reducing BC200 RNA levels, suggesting a potential new therapeutic target.
The study also revealed a connection between the nervous system and cancer development, showing that nerve-related signaling may help trigger the harmful RNA activity.
The research reflects a collaboration between Downstate and Mirimus Inc., combining expertise in RNA biology, cancer research, and genetic engineering. In addition to Dr. Tiedge, collaborators included Valerio Berardi, Ph.D., Ilham A. Muslimov, Dan Sun, Giuseppe Militello, and Prem Premsrirut, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Mirimus and a faculty member at Downstate.
While additional research is needed, the findings offer new insight into how breast cancer can develop, even in patients without known BRCA1 mutations, and reinforce Downstate’s leadership in advancing innovative translational research.
Berardi V, Muslimov IA, Sun D, Militello G, Premsrirut P, Tiedge H (2026). Regulatory BC200 RNA promotes breast carcinogenesis by repressing BRCA1 gene expression. iScience 29:115267. PMC13018867. DOI 10.1016/j.isci.2026.115267.