jan 1, 1990 - 1990: The first gene found to be associated with increased susceptibility to familial breast and ovarian cancer is identified

Description:

In 1990, the first gene to be associated with increased susceptibility to familial breast and ovarian cancer was identified. Scientists had performed DNA linkage studies on large families who showed characteristics related to hereditary breast ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome.

They named the gene they identified, which was located on chromosome 17, BRCA1. However, it was clear that not all breast cancer families were linked to BRCA1, and, with continued research, a second gene BRCA2 was located on chromosome 13.

Everyone has 2 copies of both BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are tumour suppressor genes. If a person has 1 altered copy of either gene it can lead to an accumulation of mutations, which can then lead to tumour formation.

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