Study Sheds Light on How BRCA1 Gene Mutations Fuel Breast Cancer
Harvard Medical SchoolAt a glance: A new study in mice explains how even a single faulty copy of the BRCA1 gene can fuel tumor growth. The findings suggest the dominant “two-hit” hypothesis of cancer development may not tell the full story behind how cancer arises. Study identifies cellular changes that prime cancer-related genes for action and render cells vulnerable to tumor growth. The findings can inform new treatments that block the priming effect to prevent breast cancer formation.