A bridge too far? Why a gene can increase breast cancer risk
Cancer types:
Breast cancer
Project period:
–
Research institute:
Università della Svizzera Italiana
Award amount:
£236,411
Location:
Switzerland
Professor Petr Cejka and his team in Switzerland are focusing on a particular protein called PALB2, and how changes in this protein can increase the chance of developing breast cancer. This work will bring new insights to an unexplored but vital area, and could one day lead to improved prevention, faster diagnosis, and more personalised cancer care for patients.
Why is this research needed?
Similar to the well-established BRCA genes, we now know that some inherited changes in a gene called PALB2 can also cause breast cancer. Sadly, as many as 1 in 2 women who have a faulty PALB2 gene will develop cancer in their lifetime. But unlike BRCA, scientists still know very little about how PALB2 works, and how it is linked to cancer.
A strong clue is that PALB2 is known to interact with BRCA in our cells. So, during this project, Professor Cejka will study this interaction in detail. This valuable new information has the potential to improve how we help patients who are at risk, and generate more clues to start new cures.
The funding from Worldwide Cancer Research will allow us to develop a project much faster than it would be possible without your generous support.
What is the science behind this project?
Although we know quite a lot about the BRCA genes and how they work, we know much less about PALB2. Luckily, scientists have already discovered that in cells, the protein produced by PALB2 functions like a molecular bridge. It works to connect BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins together.
Professor Cejka and his team will now build on this research. They will study exactly how PALB2 and the BRCA genes work together in cells, and how changes to these genes lead to an increased risk of cancer.
Both BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are known to be involved in repairing damaged DNA in cancer cells, and Professor Cejka believes that the PALB2 gene is too. So, during this project, the team will recreate the DNA repair process in a test tube so that they can observe exactly how this process happens, step-by-step.
From this they will gather a much clearer view of how exactly PALB2 and BRCA interact to repair damaged DNA in cells, and how changes in PALB2 are most likely to cause cancer.
What difference could this project make to patients in the future?
Cancer is caused by faulty changes in some genes, which make our cells divide quickly and grow into tumours. By understanding these genetic changes better, we can help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
This project is focused on how and why changes in a gene called PALB2 can increase cancer risk for some people. If doctors know in advance which changes in PALB2 are most likely to cause cancer, they can detect these in patients earlier – helping to ensure more accurate diagnosis, and more effective prevention strategies. Ultimately, this new knowledge will drive more personalized treatment options for people who have a higher risk of developing cancer.
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