Tuesday, November 21, 2017

The Discovery Of New Gene Variants That Contribute To Breast Cancer





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Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified 72 genetic variants that contribute to breast cancer that opened up the opportunity to study the mechanisms behind the disease. 65 of these genetic variants are common in the early stages of breast cancer. 7 of the variants specifically are common in oestrogen-receptive negative breast cancer. These variants were discovered around the region of the gene, not within the genes. This is different from other genetic diseases. The combination of the rare variants, BRCA1 and BRCA2, in the genes are common in the high risk of disease. The other gene variants are common in the low risk of disease. The discovery of these gene variants doubles the number of variants that were previously known.


            The discovery of these gene variants came from the work of 550 researchers from around 300 institutions called the OncoArray Consortium. This discovery is interesting and beneficial since it will increase the understanding of the mechanisms behind breast cancer. This finding will also allow researchers to identify new gene variants to help us better understand how people are predisposed to breast cancer. Researchers will be able to study more in depth about the genes involved in this genetic disease. With this, researchers may be able to discover ways to prevent this disease and create precautions for people to take to avoid this disease. 

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