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Oncomedicine 2017; 2:132-137. doi:10.7150/oncm.20393 This volume Cite

Review

BRCA 1/2 Tumors and Gene Expression Therapy for Breast Cancer Development and Metastasis

Anup P. Challa¹, Chikezie O. Madu¹, Yi Lu^2✉

1. Department of Biology and Advanced Placement Biology, White Station High School, Memphis, Tennessee 38117. USA;
2. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.

✉ Corresponding author: Yi Lu, Ph.D., Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Cancer Research Building, Room 218, 19 South Manassas Street, Memphis, TN 38163 (USA) Tel.: (901) 448-5436 Fax.: (901) 448-5496 E-mail: yluedu More

Abstract

The rise of bioinformatics has allowed for alternate therapies in treating disease. Thus, researchers have discovered relationships between the breast cancer gene (BRCA) family and the cancer itself. Recent investigations by the National Cancer Institute have shown that almost 55% of women with defective BRCA genes develop breast cancer by age seventy. These genes play an important role in tumor suppression; their mutations can increase the probability of developing metastatic cancer. Hence, scientists have begun studying BRCA-targeted gene therapy as an effective treatment for breast cancer.

This paper investigates the mechanisms of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene expression therapy in patients with breast cancer. By approaching the disease and its biochemical implications, it seeks to review current treatment options and genetic studies. We discuss the critical role of the BRCA gene family in signaling pathways (including angiogenesis) and evaluate the impacts of the loss-of-function mutations associated with the aforementioned disease. With this, we make suggestions for future studies and optimal treatment plans.

Keywords: BRCA1, BRCA2, gene expression therapy, breast cancer

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