On Apr. 29, 2008, National Cancer Institute (NCI) researchers identified a pattern of gene activity in mice that may help to predict individual risk for breast cancer metastasis and survival in humans.

A single gene called bromodomain 4 (Brd4) regulates the expression of this pattern, also called a signature. The researchers found that one result of this Brd4 regulation is the suppression of tumor growth and metastasis in a mouse model of cancer.