Scientists have uncovered a gene they say may be cancer's master switch.

Like a circuit breast of sorts, the newly identified gene, CHD5, has an important job -- it's a tumor suppressor that prevents cancer from developing. But when it slacks on its job, cells begin to misbehave and tumors can form.

One professor of genetics says the gene, located on chromosome 1, governs the activity of a wide array of other genes involved in tumor-suppression. Its reach is large. And the implications of improper functioning are significant.

Cancers associated with the malfunctioning gene include brain tumors such as gliomas and breast, ovarian, prostate, and colorectal cancers.

A lot of people have been looking for this gene for decades. And now that it's been located, it will influence cancer research for years to come. The discovery will provide valuable new insight into targeted drugs and diagnostics and will turn up patients who need more aggressive treatment.

"We are really excited about our discovery," says the lead investigator of the research, which is published in the journal Nature.