Scientists have discovered a new cancer gene, which they have labeled “UTX,” that is common to many cancers and underlies our cells’ most basic genetic regulation.

Unlike genes previously implicated in cancer development, UTX regulates the activity of other genes rather than producing a protein or chemical product itself. As a result, although UTX falls under the broad umbrella of “tumor suppressor” genes, it represents an altogether new genetic mechanism for cancer development.

In its normal state, UTX helps restrain cell growth and …