General: Newly discovered gene, called Fanconi genes, would result in hereditary cancer, including BCRA BCRA 1 and 2 breast and ovarian cancer explain, Dutch researchers said. Established database provides current information. Article updated April 11, 2011
April 11, 2011: I am cancer-current to the review and have the following information about the role of the so-called Fanconi genes in tumorigenesis added the following: With such participation LUMC - Leiden University Medical Center is a few years ago database started with all available information on the role of Fanconi syndrome in the development of cancer and metastases. Last week on the website of this database has placed a new call for participation. On this website of The Rockefeller University provides important additional information about the following article.
22/08/2005: Source: Press Release from VUMC - Amsterdam
The next press release speaks for itself thanks to Yvonne who was attentive to us here. Striking is the paragraph that the FA genes very directly associated with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes responsible for hereditary forms of breast and ovarian cancer . But you can read the full press release only.
Discovery clarifies new genes arise cancer
VUMC researchers, in collaboration with biochemists and geneticists from Leiden, Cambridge (UK) and Baltimore (USA), two new genes involved in mutation Fanconi anemia (FA) cause. The discovery increases our understanding of how genes healthy people protect against cancer and how cancer arises. The results of the research are published this week in the online version of Nature Genetics.
Until recently, nine genes known to cause FA. With the discovery of these new genes is known how they perform their protective function and how they interact. Genes are active through the cell proteins, which the code in the corresponding gene is fixed. Usually there are some motifs in proteins can be distinguished, which may indicate a particular function. Such motifs were missing in the known FA proteins.
The proteins made by the newly discovered genes can be created to provide long-sought insight. It appears in fact the so called "DNA helicase" motifs contain. Helicase motifs suggest that these proteins bind to DNA and unwinding the double helix structure. It has become clear that the protective effect against cancer from the FA genes is to maintain the structure of DNA because the DNA damage is repaired. How the FA proteins cooperate in exactly what kind of damage they are active subjects for further research.
It is noteworthy that BRCA1 and BRCA2, the most important genes responsible for inherited forms of breast and ovarian cancer, their functions are closely related to the Fanconi genes. The growing understanding of the effect of FA genes may therefore contribute to a better understanding of the origin of these - and other cancers. Moreover, there are indications that some of the tumors that occur in the general population, caused by a defect in a Fanconi gene. Cells with a defect in one of the FA proteins are in fact more sensitive to the chemotherapeutic cisplatin. Patients with such tumors would be an appropriate chemotherapy with a better chance of cure may have. Possibly the new discovery is also an opportunity to introduce the process is controlled by FA genes specifically block, which views could provide new methods of cancer treatment.
