Possible function found for breast cancer genes
Marx, G.
Science 276(5312): 531-532
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-8075 PMID: 9148411 Document Number: 474183
Breast cancer susceptibility genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, two of the most mysterious actors in cancer genetics, may finally be sharing their secrets. Since the discoveries of these genes in 1994 and 1995, researchers have been unable to determine what the proteins made by the genes normally do--and why mutations in the genes have such grave consequences. In a paper published in the April 24 issue of Nature, however, a team led by Allan Bradley of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and Paul Hasty of Lexicon Genetics Inc. in The Woodlands, Texas, reports evidence suggesting that the protein made by BRCA2 plays a crucial role in enabling cells to repair their DNA when it is damaged. In addition, the Texas team demonstrated that embryonic mouse cells in which the murine version of BRCA2 has been inactivated are unable to recover from radiation damage.