BRCA

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

BRCA

BRCA (pronounced /ˈbrækə/) is a pair of genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins. These proteins help repair damaged DNA and, therefore, play a role in ensuring the stability of the cell's genetic material. When either of these genes is mutated, or altered, such that its protein product is not made or does not function correctly, DNA damage may not be repaired properly. As a result, cells are more likely to develop additional genetic alterations that can lead to cancer.

Etymology

The term BRCA is an abbreviation for BReast CAncer susceptibility gene. There are two types of BRCA genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, and they get their names from the type of cancer with which they are most commonly associated.

Related Terms

  • BRCA1: This gene belongs to a class of genes known as tumor suppressors. Mutations of this gene have been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
  • BRCA2: This gene also belongs to a class of genes known as tumor suppressors. Mutations of this gene have been linked to breast cancer in men and women, as well as several other types of cancer.
  • Tumor suppressor gene: This is a type of gene that makes a protein to help control cell growth. Mutations in such genes can lead to cancer.
  • DNA repair: This is a collection of processes by which a cell identifies and corrects damage to the DNA molecules that encode its genome.
  • Mutation: This is a change in the DNA sequence. Mutations can result in changes in the protein sequence encoded by the DNA, potentially leading to faulty proteins.
  • Cancer: This is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski