Researchers uncover more information about BRCA2

August 23, 2010

Genes hold the instructions for cells to make proteins.  The BRCA2 gene is important for tumor suppression and it is known that a mutation in this gene is a hereditary risk factor for breast and ovarian cancer.  For the first time, researchers have isolated the protein produced from the BRCA2 gene.  Researchers can now study the protein more closely to see what is does in the body, potentially leading to a greater understanding of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and  improved methods for prevention and treatment.

Both BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were discovered over 15 years ago, and it has been shown that these genes work as tumor suppressors, keeping abnormal cells in check.  But exactly how they function hasn't been clear.  Scientists purified the large BRCA2 protein - a protein that contains 3,418 building blocks or amino acids - and discovered that it binds with another protein, RAD51, to make sure any breaks in DNA are corrected. 

News of the findings is presented at Nature.com, including links to three research articles looking at the newly isolated protein.