Why does brca1 cause breast cancer

The study reported in Nature Communications focused on breast tissue. Similar studies of ovarian tissue will be conducted. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Science News. Study of human tissues yields insights Dr. The team compared tissues of BRCA1 mutation carriers versus non-carriers and found interesting differences: Gene expression-related stress is higher in BRCA1 mutation carriers; This stress is only higher in luminal epithelial cells, where BRCA1-related breast tumors originate; Within the luminal epithelial cells, the stress is higher in estrogen-responsive genes.

Curiel, Richard Elledge, Victor X. Jin, Yanfen Hu, Rong Li. All rights reserved. Skip Navigation. I Want To I Want to Find Research Faculty Enter the last name, specialty or keyword for your search below.

Apply for Admission M. Release Date: December 8, Find Physicians Specializing In Breast Cancer Genetics. Talk to your doctor about your personal level of risk and how best to manage it. It's important to remember that no procedure — not even removing both healthy breasts and ovaries at a young age — totally eliminates the risk of cancer.

There is still a small risk that cancer can develop in the areas where the breasts used to be. Close follow-up is necessary, even after prophylactic surgery. Prophylactic surgery decisions require a great deal of thought, patience, and discussion with your doctors, genetic counselor, and family over time — together with a tremendous amount of courage.

Take the time you need to consider these options and make decisions that feel comfortable to you. For more information, visit the Breastcancer. Download the PDF of the booklet to learn 31 risk-reducing steps you can take today.

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Was this article helpful? Can we help guide you? How does this work? Learn more. Are these recommendations helpful? Take a quick survey. The BRCA1 gene provides instructions for making a protein that acts as a tumor suppressor. Tumor suppressor proteins help prevent cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way. These breaks can be caused by natural and medical radiation or other environmental exposures, and they also occur when chromosomes exchange genetic material in preparation for cell division.

Research suggests that the BRCA1 protein also regulates the activity of other genes and plays an essential role in embryonic development. To carry out these functions, the BRCA1 protein interacts with many other proteins, including other tumor suppressors and proteins that regulate cell division.

Mutations in the BRCA1 gene are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in both men and women, as well as several other types of cancer. These mutations are present in every cell in the body and can be passed from one generation to the next. As a result, they are associated with cancers that cluster in families. However, not everyone who inherits a mutation in the BRCA1 gene will develop cancer. Other genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors also contribute to a person's cancer risk.

Most BRCA1 gene mutations lead to the production of an abnormally short version of the BRCA1 protein or prevent any protein from being made from one copy of the gene. As a result, less of this protein is available to help repair damaged DNA or fix mutations that occur in other genes.

As these defects accumulate, they can trigger cells to grow and divide uncontrollably to form a tumor.