BRCA1: mechanisms of inactivation and implications for management of patients.

Richard D Kennedy, Jennifer E Quinn, Patrick G Johnston, D Paul Harkin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

102 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The BRCA1 gene was cloned in 1994 as one of the genes that conferred genetic predisposition to early-onset breast and ovarian cancer. Since then, a genetic test for identification of high-risk individuals has been developed. Despite being implicated in many important cellular pathways, including DNA repair and regulation of transcription, the exact mechanism by which inactivation of BRCA1 might lead to malignant transformation of cells remains unknown. We examine the mechanisms that underlie inactivation of BRCA1 and assess how they affect management of patients, in terms of both primary and secondary cancer prevention strategies. Furthermore, we look at the potential usefulness of BRCA1 as a prognostic tool and as a predictive marker of response to different classes of drugs. Finally, throughout this review, we draw links between the functional consequences of BRCA1 inactivation, in terms of key cellular signalling pathways, and how they might explain specific clinical observations in individuals who carry mutations in the gene.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1007-1014
Number of pages8
JournalLancet
Volume360
Issue number9338
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Sept 2002

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'BRCA1: mechanisms of inactivation and implications for management of patients.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this